Hub:a complete shutter-down strike paralyzed business activities on Tuesday, protesting the recent arrests of leaders and the violence against participants at a political rally in Gwadar. The city faced significant disruptions, including road blockages and internet outages, leading to severe difficulties for residents.
The strike, called by the Baloch Unity Committee, saw all commercial centers and markets in Hub shut down. Traffic was disrupted, and connectivity between Balochistan and Punjab was severed. Protests and roadblocks in various areas led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
In Barkhan, similar shutdowns were observed. All businesses and markets were closed, and the national highway linking Balochistan to Punjab was blocked. Passengers and patients faced severe difficulties as long vehicle queues formed, disrupting travel between the two regions.
In Khuzdar, the Baloch Unity Committee’s call led to the closure of businesses and roads. A large group of women held a rally demanding the immediate release of arrested leaders and justice for the violence in Gwadar.
In Dalbandin and Chagai, protests continued for the third consecutive day, with demonstrators burning tires and blocking the Pak-Iran RCD Highway. The unrest led to clashes with police, resulting in injuries. A police officer was hospitalized after being hit by stones during a confrontation with protesters.
The shutdown extended to Panjgur and other districts, with businesses and financial institutions closed. Mobile and internet services have been disrupted for four days, causing further inconvenience to the public.
In Qalat, the shutdown continued, and protests erupted in several areas. In Washuk, the Baloch Unity Committee’s call led to a shutdown in various towns, including Basima, Nag, and Washuk. Businesses and markets remained closed, and protests were held against the crackdown on the Baloch Raj Munch rally.
In Khuzdar, the Baloch Unity Committee organized a protest at Chief Chowk, which evolved into a sit-in. Protesters, including a significant number of women, voiced their grievances against the suppression of peaceful protests in Balochistan. The sit-in disrupted traffic and contributed to the ongoing strike.
In Gwadar, protests against the crackdown continued with demonstrations and sit-ins. Activists and lawyers staged a rally from Balochistan University to Zarghoon Road, demanding the release of detained leaders and the restoration of internet services. They vowed to keep Balochistan shut until their demands were met.
Despite the shutdown call, the effectiveness was varied. In Hub, while many businesses initially closed, the police later reopened them. The Hub city police detained an individual accused of forcibly closing businesses.
In Winder, the Baloch Unity Committee held a protest and rally in front of the Winder Press Club, which escalated into a large demonstration. Speakers from the National Party and local committees condemned the ongoing violence against Baloch people and emphasized their constitutional right to protest.
Overall, the situation remains tense as the region grapples with ongoing protests and disruptions following the Gwadar incident.
