Police Baton-Charge Grand Alliance Protest in Quetta; Employees Arrested, Indefinite Strike and ‘Jail Bharo’ Movement Announced Across Balochistan

**Quetta:** Employees of the Balochistan Grand Alliance staged a protest in Quetta in support of their demands, during which authorities sealed key routes in the Red Zone by placing containers. When protesters attempted to move toward the Red Zone, police resorted to baton-charging and arrested several employees, later shifting them to different police stations.

The leadership of the Balochistan Grand Alliance announced an indefinite pen-down strike in all government offices across the province starting today. In addition, a two-week-long “Jail Bharo” (court arrest) movement has also been announced.

Speaking to the media, Provincial Organizer Qudoos Kakar said the protest and strike were launched after the government failed to approve the recommendations of a committee formed by employees. He alleged that since last night, raids were conducted at the homes of employees in different areas of Balochistan, as well as at hotels and other locations, terming the arrests part of the government’s use of state force.

Qudoos Kakar accused police and other officials of unnecessary repression and violence against employees. He further stated that organizing committees have been formed across the province to carry out protest activities. These committees will compile daily lists of employees in each district, and workers along with their supporters will voluntarily present themselves for arrest to make the Jail Bharo movement successful.

The Grand Alliance also announced protest demonstrations outside press clubs across Balochistan today. Qudoos Kakar appealed to political parties, student organizations, traders, and transporters to take immediate notice of what he described as oppression and violence against employees and to intervene for justice.

He warned that if the government does not immediately halt such actions, the situation could further deteriorate. The Balochistan Grand Alliance reiterated that the protests and agitation will continue in pursuit of employees’ rights and justice, and that the movement will be strengthened at both provincial and national levels.