Quetta Traders Threaten Protest Over Alleged Extortion, Corruption and Lockdown Restrictions

Quetta: The Central Organization of Traders has warned of launching protests against what it described as extortion, poor economic policies, and police corruption under the cover of lockdown restrictions in Quetta.

Traders’ leaders, including President Syed Abdul Qayyum Agha and Chairman Yasin Agha, said that the government must either immediately lift the lockdown or allow business activities to continue until 10 PM. They warned that if their demands are not accepted, they will announce a protest movement after Sunday, including rallies and demonstrations, holding the government responsible for any consequences.

The remarks were made during a traders’ meeting attended by several representatives of different business associations. Participants alleged that police and administrative authorities are harassing shopkeepers by confiscating mobile phones during lockdown enforcement and later demanding money for their return.

They further claimed that under the guise of lockdown enforcement, shopkeepers are being financially exploited, and even food outlets and hotels have been forcibly closed despite the absence of strict lockdown conditions in many countries.

The traders criticized the government for what they called rushed and ineffective lockdown measures, saying that businesses in Quetta have been severely affected, especially ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, a key trading season.

They also highlighted rising taxes and inflation as major challenges already impacting the business community, adding that continued restrictions are worsening the economic situation.

The traders’ organization warned that if their demands are ignored, they will hold a press conference on Sunday and formally announce a protest rally in Quetta, holding the authorities fully responsible for any unrest that may follow.