KARACHI, June 11: A province-wide shutterdown and wheel-jam strike brought normal life to a halt across Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Thursday, as various trade, transport and professional groups protested worsening lawlessness and insecurity. The strike was called by a Joint Action Committee comprising business, transport, mining, medical and traders’ associations.
Major cities and towns, including the provincial capital Quetta, witnessed closed markets and deserted roads. Key highways connecting Quetta with other parts of Pakistan and border regions were blocked by transporters, disrupting traffic and trade.
Protest leaders accused the government of failing to address growing security concerns. They cited incidents of freight and passenger vehicles being hijacked and burned, extortion threats against traders, unsafe conditions for mine workers, and a general breakdown of law and order.
The strike was also held in solidarity with Dr Mahnoor Nasir, who was injured in an acid attack at Quetta Civil Hospital on June 5. Organisers said the incident reflected the deteriorating security situation in the province.
Transporters claimed they had lost numerous vehicles to violence on highways and said workers no longer felt safe operating in the region. (PTI)
