In response to escalating attacks on passenger buses, the Balochistan government has imposed a ban on night-time travel for public transport on major highways across multiple districts.
The decision comes as the security situation in the province continues to deteriorate, with several incidents this year involving targeted attacks on passengers.
Deputy commissioners of Gwadar, Kachhi, Zhob, Noshki, and Musakhel have issued official notifications restricting travel during night hours. Moreover, authorities in Quetta have prohibited public transport from departing the city at night.
During a high-level meeting chaired by Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat, officials decided to ban public transport from traveling on the Karachi-Quetta Highway (N-25), also known as the RCD Highway, during nighttime, effectively cutting off Balochistan’s road connection with Sindh after dark. It was also emphasized that buses and coaches must depart on schedule to prevent delays.
A notification issued by Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamoodur Rehman on March 28 confirmed that all public transport on the Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) would remain prohibited at night until further notice. To enhance passenger safety, transport authorities and private bus operators have also revised departure schedules to ensure all vehicles reach their destinations before nightfall.
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Under the new regulations, buses traveling from Karachi or Quetta to Gwadar must depart between 5 AM and 10 AM, while those leaving Gwadar for Karachi or Quetta must do so between 6 AM and 1 PM.
Similarly, Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Jahanzaib Langove issued a notification restricting both public and private transport from using the Quetta-Sukkur Highway (N-65) between 5 PM and 5 AM, effectively severing Balochistan’s nighttime road link with Sindh.
