Mass Employee Protests Shake Balochistan, 40 Teachers Arrested in Lasbela; Complete Lockdown Threat on January 15

**Quetta:** Employees across Balochistan staged widespread protests, sit-ins, and “wheel-jam” strikes, disrupting traffic on major highways and city roads, demanding implementation of their 12-point charter of demands. The protests affected districts including Quetta, Pishin, Sibi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Panjgur, Lasbela, Gwadar, Turbat, Mastung, Jhal Magsi, Chagai, Dalbandin, Dhadar, Gandakha, Kachlak, Kharan, Harnai, Awaran, Kech, Pasni, Qila Abdullah, Surab, Bolan, and others.

In Panjgur, a sit-in was held at CPEC Road near China Chowk under the coordination of Balochistan Grand Alliance. Leaders and activists from various parties, including the All Parties Conference, National Party, Haq Do Tehreek, and Balochistan National Party, participated in large numbers. Organizers Abdul Jabbar Baloch, Zahoor Ahmed, All Parties chairman Alauddin Advocate, Haq Do Tehreek chairman Mullah Farhad, and National Party’s Comrade Mujeebur Rehman Baloch condemned police raids on employees’ homes, harassment of families, and arbitrary arrests, emphasizing that such intimidation would not force employees to abandon their demands.

In Qila Saifullah, heavy police deployment was reported in anticipation of wheel-jam strikes, with authorities warning that protests and road blockages would not be tolerated.

In Lasbela and Uthal, protests led to the arrest of over 40 officials and teachers, including Chairman Abdul Waheed Soomro, with journalists reportedly prevented from covering the events—a move criticized by civil society as a violation of press freedom.

Balochistan Grand Alliance leaders warned that on January 15, a complete province-wide lockdown would be enforced, paralyzing government machinery, and the provincial government would be held responsible for any ensuing consequences. Arrested employees stated that jail or detentions would not deter them from pursuing their legitimate rights and demands.

The protests reflect growing frustration among government employees over unresolved grievances and heavy-handed tactics by provincial authorities.