After a grueling seven-day journey spanning approximately 700km, protesters participating in the long march against the closure of the Pakistan-Iran border crossing finally arrived in Quetta, the provincial capital, on Friday night.
Originating from Mashkel, the demonstrators traversed through various towns and cities along the Quetta-Taftan national highway, culminating their 38-day sit-in in support of their demands. The closure of the Maza Sar crossing point at the Pak-Iran border by the Iranian government during the Covid-19 pandemic has persisted for six years.
Mir Jiand Khan Reki, the leader of the march, conveyed to Dawn that the protesters, comprising traders, tribal elders, the business community, and members of civil society, have persistently urged for the reopening of the crossing point. However, their demands have yet to be addressed by the concerned authorities.
Reki emphasized that the closure of the crossing point has severely impacted Mashkel, leading to soaring prices of essential commodities like flour, rice, and cooking oil. He asserted that the protesters are resolute in their stance and will continue their protest in Quetta until their demand for the reopening of the crossing point is met. Additionally, they plan to stage a protest in front of the Balochistan Assembly until their grievances are addressed.
