QUETTA: A comprehensive shut-down strike was observed across Quetta and multiple regions of Balochistan on Wednesday.
The action was taken to protest life prison sentences imposed on Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and group coordinator Sibghatullah Shahji by a Quetta anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday.
The Balochistan National Party (BNP) supported the strike initiative, which was formally announced by the BYC.
In the provincial capital, all commercial operations ceased, with shops and business centers shuttered along key routes like Sariab Road and Jail Road.
The strike disrupted daily routines and economic activity province-wide. Similar reports of full-scale closures emerged from districts including Mastung, Turbat, Nushki, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Kharan, Kalat, and Panjgur.
Businesses in Khuzdar and its vicinity remained closed all day, while traffic flow in the city significantly diminished.
Although the strike remained non-violent, authorities deployed substantial security forces to maintain order and prevent incidents.
The court’s ruling faced strong opposition from major political groups and legal organizations, including the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), BNP, National Party (NP), PTI, and Balochistan Bar Council.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also criticized the sentences, calling for Dr Mahrang’s immediate release.
Political figures argued the decision represents a serious threat to free speech, claiming Dr Mahrang was targeted for advocating provincial rights and missing persons’ cases.
Abdul Wahid Shahwani in Khuzdar also contributed to this report
Also Read
- Reeves Endorses Burnham as Chancellor Contender Amid Leadership Transition
- European Stocks Poised for Mixed Start Ahead of U.S. PCE, Q1 GDP and Jobless Claims Data
- Venezuela rocked by twin magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, causing dozens of deaths and massive damage
- Mattel Launches Pre-Orders for ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Singing and Fashion Doll Collections
