Passengers Trapped Between Diesel Demands and Helplessness
Gwadar: Travelers on the Coastal Highway, especially those from Gwadar and Makran, are facing severe hardship. While the high cost of food and accommodation in Karachi already burdens them, a growing conflict between the Pakistan Coast Guard and private coach operators has made the situation worse.
Coach owners claim they are being forced to pay what they call a “diesel extortion fee” of 70 liters per checkpoint along the highway. If they refuse, they risk being stopped from continuing their journey. This has nearly paralyzed long-distance transport services, leaving passengers to suffer.
Coast Guard’s Counterclaim
In response, the Pakistan Coast Guard argues that many coaches are transporting far less passengers than expected and are instead used to illegally transport fuel, which they claim is the real reason behind stricter checks.
Stranded Without Support in Karachi
As a result of this standoff, hundreds of passengers from Gwadar and Makran have been left stranded in Karachi. Many are now sleeping on sidewalks, at relatives’ homes, or in unsafe areas with no financial support. Most can’t afford hotel rooms, and their limited money has already been spent on food. Women, children, and elderly people are especially vulnerable, yet there has been no help from authorities.
Repeated Pleas to Leaders Ignored
Passengers have made urgent appeals to high-level officials, including:
MNA Haji Malik Shah Gurgij, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, MNA Phaleen Baloch, Former CM Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, Provincial Ministers Mir Zahoor Buledi, Barkat Rind, Mir Asghar Rind, Meena Majid, Gwadar District Council Chairman Syed Miyar Jan Noori
Despite multiple calls for action, no official response has been received so far.
Political Silence Raises Questions
Many expected MNA Haji Malik Shah Gurgij to intervene by contacting the Sindh government and arranging relief for his constituency. Unfortunately, he has not responded. Critics say he seems disconnected from the area and unfamiliar with local issues.
Former CM Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and other party members are often seen in political meetings in Islamabad, Lahore, and Quetta, but show little urgency in solving this crisis. Similarly, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch is known for his concern over livestock rather than human suffering. Even District Chairman Miyar Jan Noori has remained silent, appearing to believe his responsibility ends at a single ward in Pasni.
Public Reaction and a Ray of Hope
The public in Gwadar has reacted strongly, warning that if no action is taken, this crisis could deepen and lead to a complete loss of trust in state institutions.
In a rare act of kindness, a local public bus service in Karachi transported a group of stranded passengers to Gwadar free of charge, without demanding any diesel fees. This compassionate move stands in stark contrast to the inaction of larger coach companies.
Final Questions: Who Will Take Responsibility?
This situation raises serious questions:
Will the Coast Guard stay within its legal limits?
Will coach owners prioritize people over profit?
Most importantly, will the state step in to help these abandoned citizens?
These are not just questions—they reflect the painful reality faced today by hundreds in Gwadar and Makran. The real issue is whether this “diesel drama” will end, and if so, when and how?
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