Quetta (Monitoring Desk): A complete shutter-down strike is underway across Balochistan following the call of Balochistan National Party (BNP) Chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal. The strike was called in protest against the siege of the Tahaffuz-e-Baloch-Namoos (Protection of Baloch Honor) Long March and to demand the release of Dr. Mahrang and other women activists.
Major cities including Quetta, Turbat, Panjgur, Dalbandin, Kharan, Khuzdar, Surab, Kalat, Mastung and Wadh, along with several smaller towns, observed a complete closure of markets and commercial activities. Business centers, petrol pumps, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants remained shut, significantly affecting daily life and disrupting traffic flow across urban and surrounding areas.
The strike call, given by Sardar Akhtar Mengal a day earlier, received widespread support from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, traders’ associations, civil society groups, bar councils and various political and social organizations.
In Makran, courts also remained closed as bar associations boycotted proceedings in support of the BNP’s call. Lawyers across the region abstained from court activities in protest.
According to the latest reports, four individuals were injured when police opened fire on protesters in Khuzdar’s Wadh area. The situation remains tense as demonstrations continue.
