Jamaat-e-Islami Stages Province-Wide Protests, Blocks Key Highways in Balochistan Over Inflation and Lawlessness
Quetta: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged protests and sit-ins at 21 locations across Balochistan, blocking major national highways to protest inflation, lawlessness, alleged extortion linked to petroleum products, corruption, border closures, enforced disappearances, and what the party described as inappropriate behavior by security forces.
The protests disrupted traffic on several major routes, including the N-25 Quetta-Karachi Highway at locations in Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Wadh, Lasbela, and Hub. The N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway was blocked at several points in Quetta, Nushki, Dalbandin, Nokundi, and Taftan.
Protesters also blocked sections of the N-50 Quetta-Zhob Highway in Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, and Sherani, while the N-65 Quetta-Sibi-Jacobabad Highway was affected at various points in Quetta, Bolan, Dhadar, Sibi, and Jacobabad.
The N-10 Makran Coastal Highway was blocked at several locations in Gwadar, Turbat, and other parts of Makran, while traffic was also disrupted on the N-85 Surab-Panjgur-Hoshab route in areas of Surab and Panjgur.
A large number of transporters, traders, and members of the public participated in the demonstrations. The road closures resulted in long queues of vehicles at several locations, although routes were opened for ambulances.
JI Balochistan said the protests were aimed at highlighting insecurity, highway robberies, alleged extortion on petroleum products, border closures, corruption, and other public grievances. Sit-ins were held on major highways in several districts, with reports of baton charges, arrests, and cases being registered at some locations.
JI Balochistan chief and MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch led protests in Gwadar, while other provincial and district leaders led demonstrations in Quetta, Nushki, Khuzdar, Loralai, Chaman, and other areas.
Addressing the protesters, JI leaders criticized the authorities over the security situation and alleged enforced disappearances and killings. They called for greater protection of citizens, an end to what they described as unlawful disappearances, and measures to address unemployment, poverty, and the economic difficulties caused by border closures.
The speakers demanded the restoration of legal cross-border trade with Iran and Afghanistan and called for greater employment opportunities for young people. They also demanded that Levies and police be provided with adequate powers, resources, and training, while calling for improved training of security personnel to ensure respectful treatment of citizens.
JI leaders further demanded an end to alleged extortion related to petroleum products and called for permission for residents of Balochistan to legally import petroleum products from Iran. They also urged authorities to stop the alleged harassment and humiliation of citizens at security checkpoints.
The protesters called on the government to ensure lasting peace in Balochistan, restore legitimate trade through border crossings, and address the province’s security and economic challenges through effective and transparent measures.
