All Parties Conference Demands End to Night Raids in Quetta, Vows to Protect Traders from Economic Exploitation
**Quetta:** An All Parties Conference (APC) convened under the auspices of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has strongly condemned night-time raids on traders’ shops and warehouses in Quetta, warning that such actions amount to the “economic killing” of the business community and will not be tolerated.
The conference was held at JUI’s office on Airport Road and was presided over by JUI Balochistan Deputy Ameer and Quetta District Ameer, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Abdul Rehman Rafiq. Leaders and representatives of various political parties, trader associations, the Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Alliance of employees, and members of civil society attended the meeting.
In a joint declaration issued after detailed deliberations, the APC denounced raids allegedly carried out at night by customs authorities with the support of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel. The participants demanded an immediate halt to what they termed illegal and unconstitutional actions, stating that border closures and restrictions on trade have rendered thousands jobless and pushed countless families toward poverty.
The APC called for the immediate reopening of all border crossings to allow legal trade, protection of traders’ property, and an end to the seizure of goods. It alleged that such practices were being carried out only in Balochistan and accused certain officials of corruption and misuse of authority. The conference announced full political support for the trader community and vowed to stand alongside them against any further injustices.
The declaration also expressed complete solidarity with the Grand Alliance of government employees, demanding immediate implementation of agreed benefits, including Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA). It condemned the use of force against peaceful protests, calling for the release of arrested employees and reinstatement of those dismissed.
The APC strongly criticized severe gas and electricity load-shedding in Quetta, as well as the acute shortage of clean drinking water, especially during the harsh winter. It demanded uninterrupted gas and power supply and urgent measures to resolve the water crisis. The participants also called for the removal of FC and police checkpoints within the city, citing public harassment.
Serious concern was expressed over the deteriorating law and order situation, rising crime, alleged extortion in the gold trade, and restrictions such as “no parking” policies on major commercial roads. The APC also demanded leniency and legal protection for Chingchi rickshaw drivers, restoration of public transport routes, action against obscenity, and strict enforcement of the Respect for Ramadan Ordinance along with a special Ramadan relief package for low- and middle-income groups.
The conference leadership announced that a joint charter of demands would be presented to the Chief Minister and Governor of Balochistan. While prioritizing dialogue, the APC warned that if issues remain unresolved, all political parties, traders, and civil society reserve the right to launch a united protest movement.
