Security and Law & Order in Quetta Deteriorating, Says PKMAP; Rising Theft and Arrests Draw Sharp Criticism

Quetta: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), District Quetta, has expressed serious concern over the worsening law and order situation in Quetta, stating that rising incidents of theft and insecurity have raised questions over the performance of police and the government.

In a statement, the party said that the security situation in the city has deteriorated to a critical level, leaving citizens feeling unsafe. It noted that after a recent militant incident in the Gharbagh area, the lack of effective police patrolling and checkpoints has led to a continued rise in theft and robbery cases, particularly involving household items such as inverters and other valuables.

The statement highlighted several incidents, including an armed robbery in which a citizen identified as Shah Wali Khan Bazai was shot and injured by armed men near Abdulzai checkpoint after his motorcycle was snatched. The victim is currently receiving treatment in hospital. In another incident, in Kalay Zafar Bazai Randozai area, inverters were reportedly stolen from homes.

PKMAP also criticized the shortage of staff in police stations, claiming that timely assistance is not being provided to the public. It urged the Inspector General of Police to increase patrolling, ensure staff presence at police stations, and take strict action against criminal elements.

In a separate part of the statement, the party also condemned what it described as harsh actions by the district administration against traders in Quetta. It alleged that shopkeepers were arrested and sent to jail, where one was reportedly injured due to mistreatment. The party further claimed irregularities and corruption in prison transfers and police stations, including alleged demands for bribes.

The statement said that such actions have severely damaged public trust and created anger among traders, businessmen, and laborers, especially amid already difficult economic conditions.

PKMAP demanded an immediate end to what it called unjust arrests and harassment of traders, urging authorities to provide relief instead of targeting the business community under the guise of enforcement operations. It stressed that citizens should be able to conduct their daily activities in a secure and peaceful environment.