Mangchar Market Closed for 19 Days, Residents Demand Immediate Government Action

QUETTA/MANGCHAR: Mangchar Market has remained completely closed for the past 19 days, causing severe difficulties for residents, traders and daily-wage workers, who say the prolonged closure has left many families struggling to meet their basic food needs.

According to sources, the market was shut down due to security concerns. However, despite the passage of 19 days, no clear progress has been made towards reopening it.

Residents said the prolonged closure had severely affected local businesses and daily-wage earners, with many households struggling as their sources of income had been disrupted.

Citizens also expressed concern that Mangchar is the hometown of the provincial interior minister, yet neither tribal elders, influential figures nor elected representatives had taken effective notice of the continued closure.

The prolonged shutdown has caused growing anxiety and frustration among the local population. Residents have urged the government and relevant authorities to immediately take notice of the situation, address the difficulties being faced by the public and take practical steps to reopen the market while keeping security requirements in view.

They warned that a further extension of the closure would deepen the difficulties faced by poor and middle-class families and called on the authorities to break their silence and find an immediate solution to the issue.