Province-Wide Shutter-Down, Wheel-Jam Strike in Balochistan; 83 Political Workers Arrested in Quetta

QUETTA: On the call of Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike was observed across Balochistan, similar to other parts of the country, while 3G and 4G internet services remained suspended in the province. Police in Quetta arrested 83 political workers for allegedly disturbing law and order.

According to details, the strike was called to mark two years since the general elections held on February 8, 2024, in protest against alleged electoral rigging. Major cities and districts, including Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Zhob, Harnai, Sibi, Khuzdar, Mastung, and Kalat, witnessed complete shutdowns as business and commercial centers, shops, and main roads remained closed. Traffic on roads was reported to be much lighter than usual.

The traders’ community fully supported the strike, resulting in deserted markets across the province. Leaders of Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan claimed that the results of the 2024 elections were allegedly altered through rigging and that the mandate of genuine political parties was stolen.

Meanwhile, police arrested more than 83 workers belonging to the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) in Quetta on charges of disrupting public order. Dozens of political workers were also reportedly detained in other districts of the province.

Assistant to the Chief Minister Balochistan, Shahid Rind, stated that Section 144 has been imposed across the province and that illegal strikes, gatherings, and road blockades are not permitted. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.