In the provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta, an extreme act by a hardworking driver against alleged bribery, misconduct, and humiliating behavior has become a topic of heated discussion across the city, after a loader rickshaw (Zarandj) driver set his only source of livelihood on fire in protest.
The incident occurred yesterday on the busy Airport Road area of Quetta, when traffic police were conducting an operation against loader rickshaws operating without permission and permits.
The affected driver was identified as Abdul Nabi Mengal, who earned his livelihood through daily labor by transporting goods on his loader rickshaw to support his family.According to traffic police officials, the operation was carried out on the directives of the Chairman Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Quetta and the Commissioner Quetta, as the operation of Zarandj rickshaws is banned.
Police claim that Abdul Nabi had been illegally operating the vehicle for the past four years and did not possess any legal documents.
However, eyewitnesses and the affected driver stated that during the operation, a traffic police official not only adopted a harsh and humiliating attitude but also allegedly demanded a bribe. Abdul Nabi Mengal alleged that upon refusing to pay Rs1,000, the official slapped him and ordered that the rickshaw be impounded at the police station.
This pushed him into severe mental distress, leading him to take the extreme step of setting his rickshaw on fire.Upon receiving information, traffic police, rescue teams, and district administration rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire in time. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.
The district administration diverted traffic to alternate routes to avoid inconvenience to the public.The incident sparked strong reactions on social media and among the public, prompting Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti to take immediate notice and order strict action. The Chief Minister met Abdul Nabi Mengal, hugged him, comforted him, and kissed his forehead, expressing full solidarity.Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced immediate financial assistance for the purchase of a new loader rickshaw to compensate for the driver’s complete financial loss, enabling him to resume his livelihood and support his family. He assured that the Balochistan government stands firmly with the working class at every level.
The Chief Minister also ordered the immediate suspension of the traffic police official involved and directed a transparent investigation, stating that misconduct with the public, abuse of authority, and misuse of power would not be tolerated. He emphasized that police officials are servants of the people and guardians of public dignity.
Meanwhile, DIG Police Quetta Imran Shoukat, during a meeting with Abdul Nabi Mengal at Bijli Road Police Station, stated that the law is equal for all and no official is allowed to mistreat citizens or exceed their authority. He said strict action would be taken against any personnel found guilty of discrimination or misconduct.Following an inquiry by the SSP Traffic, SP Qaidabad, and SP Traffic, traffic police ASI Abdul Rauf was immediately suspended on charges of abusing authority and slapping the driver.
A comprehensive and transparent departmental inquiry has also been initiated.DIG Quetta further stated that Balochistan Police considers the protection of life and property of citizens as its top priority, and that public trust in police can only be restored through community policing and a people-friendly approach.
The incident once again highlights how the working class can fall under severe mental pressure even over minor issues, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure the implementation of law alongside respect for human dignity, patience, and empathy.
