Quetta-Karachi airfare hits all-time high

Express Tribune

21-02-2025

PCAA informed PPRA that there were serious anomalies in the examination system of pilots, pointed out in July last year by a high-level inquiry. PHOTO: FILE
Airfares between Quetta and Karachi have surged to an unprecedented Rs70,000 on Friday as major highways remained blocked due to protests, leaving thousands stranded.
Demonstrators obstructed the Karachi Highway near Sorab in Kalat district, demanding the recovery of a missing person. The blockade caused severe disruptions, particularly for women, children, elderly passengers, and patients.
"I had no choice but to pay Rs62,000 for a ticket to Karachi. Road travel isn't an option anymore," said Saber Baloch, an elderly local while talking to The Express Tribune.
A similar protest by truck drivers in Dera Murad Jamali further paralyzed the road network, cutting off key routes.
Stranded travelers reported severe shortages of food and water, making the situation even more difficult for the stranded passengers.
"We've been stuck for hours with no food or drinking water. Families with children are suffering the most," said Ahmed Jan, a traveler caught in the gridlock.
Repeated highway closures have forced many to rely on air travel, driving up ticket prices beyond affordability.
"People are taking loans just to buy tickets," noted Syed Saifullah, a travel agent.
As of the filing of this report, there was no response from the provincial government regarding the crisis, leaving affected travelers without answers or assistance.
It may be recalled that last month, bus operators on the Quetta-Peshawar-Islamabad route went on an indefinite strike, protesting against daily harassment and theft incidents at security check posts.
Transporters under the Quetta Transporter Bus Association parked their buses on Quetta Airport Road, demanding immediate action.
Speaking to the media, transport leader Waheed Kakar said passenger buses are regularly targeted by robbers, yet security forces failed to provide protection.
Instead of ensuring safety, authorities detained buses at check posts without reason and extorted money from drivers.
Frustrated with this ongoing mistreatment, the Association decided to protest until their demands are accepted.
The owner of AK Movers expressed outrage over a recent incident where terrorists looted and torched a bus, calling it a failure of the security apparatus.
He demanded compensation from the government and an end to the harassment of transporters in the name of security checks.
A bus driver further alleged that customs officials at the Manikha check post unnecessarily delayed buses, falsely labeled passengers' belongings as smuggled goods, and demanded bribes.
The transporters vowed to continue their strike until authorities take effective measures to address their concerns and ensure safe travel.