Traders protest against alleged extortion by Customs officials

CHAMAN: Transit-trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan came to a halt on Tuesday after protesters blocked the Quetta-Chaman highway against alleged extortion at the hands of Customs officials.

Trade Unions involved in the transit-trade blocked the highway and protestors set alight tires. Traders complained that even after paying all due taxes, customs officials demand an additional Rs. 30,000 on trucks bringing in scrap and other materials.

Traders add that upon refusing to pay the additional amount, their trucks are stopped at the Bulelli check post for days causing losses and unnecessary delays.