In response to rising terror attacks, Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm, according to a new directive issued by the Dera Ghazi Khan administration. The move is aimed at protecting passengers and transport services operating along the National Highway N-70 and other high-risk routes.
The notification came after a recent violent incident in Balochistan where nine passengers were killed after being abducted by unidentified armed men near Sur-Dakai. These escalating attacks, reportedly carried out by the banned group Balochistan Liberation Front, now designated under the umbrella of Fitna-Al-Hindustan, have prompted urgent action from authorities. As a result, Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm, halting all cross-border vehicular traffic until daylight resumes.
Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid confirmed that transporters must comply with newly issued standard operating procedures (SOPs), which are now in full effect. He explained that all vehicles must halt operations at designated checkpoints like Sakhi Sarwar and Bawata by 5:00pm and may only resume travel towards Balochistan after 5:00am. Under these SOPs, Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm without exception, as nighttime travel is now strictly prohibited.
To reinforce these precautions, the order mandates that all public transport departing from DG Khan must perform video recording of passengers before leaving the bus terminal. Furthermore, each bus is required to have two armed security personnel onboard and be equipped with fully operational CCTV cameras covering both internal and external activity. These measures are part of a broader plan to improve surveillance and provide a real-time response in case of emergencies.
All vehicles operating under this directive must also install GPS tracking systems and emergency panic buttons. Authorities have emphasized that violations of these safety protocols will result in immediate legal action. As Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm, the government hopes these layers of protection will deter further attacks and ensure civilian safety.
The decision is part of a wider security crackdown, particularly in light of continued acts of terrorism in Balochistan. Earlier this year, deadly assaults occurred in Mastung, Kakat, and Gwadar, where armed militants targeted passenger buses and blocked major highways. In one incident in February, militants in Barkhan forcibly offloaded and executed seven passengers en route to Punjab.
Since the government designated all terrorist groups in the region as Fitna-Al-Hindustan in May, there has been an increase in violent activity. The administration believes that stricter regulations, particularly where Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm, will help in mitigating the threat to civilian lives.
With public confidence shaken and inter-provincial travel now under stricter controls, law enforcement remains on high alert. While the restrictions may inconvenience evening travelers, officials insist that the safety of passengers is paramount. The situation continues to evolve, but for now, Punjab bans public transport entry to Balochistan after 5pm as a firm response to growing regional instability.
