Traders Shut Wadh Market Indefinitely After Armed Attack and Repeated Threats

Khuzdar: The business community in Wadh, a tehsil of Khuzdar district in Balochistan, has announced an indefinite shutdown of the local market in protest against deteriorating law and order, repeated threats, and recent incidents of armed violence.

On Wednesday, all shops, commercial centers, and business activities remained closed, leaving the town’s main market deserted.

Representatives of the traders’ community said they had been receiving threats to close their businesses from July 1, adding that an atmosphere of fear had made it impossible to continue commercial activities.

According to the traders, repeated threatening messages were received through various channels, but authorities failed to take effective measures to ensure the safety of shopkeepers and their property.

They said the security situation in Wadh has remained highly uncertain for several days, leaving traders, workers, customers, and residents feeling unsafe.

The decision to shut the market indefinitely, they added, was taken as a last resort until adequate security is provided.

The traders also referred to a shooting incident a day earlier in which a hotel owner and a laborer were seriously injured, saying the attack further intensified fear across the area.

According to local sources, a large group of unidentified armed men entered Wadh market early Wednesday morning and allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at multiple locations, triggering panic among residents. Shopkeepers immediately closed their businesses while people rushed to safer places.

Witnesses said the gunfire brought all commercial activity to a standstill, and many residents remained indoors for hours due to security concerns.

The traders stated that they would not reopen the market until authorities ensure the protection of lives and property.

They urged the federal and Balochistan governments, the district administration, and law enforcement agencies to restore peace, take effective action against armed groups, and provide comprehensive security for traders and the public.

The indefinite closure is expected to cause significant financial losses for businesses while also affecting daily wage earners, transport workers, small shopkeepers, and local residents. Community members warned that if the situation does not improve soon, economic activity in the area could deteriorate further, disrupting the supply of essential goods and services.