In Balochistan’s Kharan and Pasni areas, road closures for security reasons and unannounced load shedding have led to public protests.
In Kharan, residents and students from the Jozhan area have written a letter to Deputy Commissioner Munir Ahmad Soomro, requesting the reopening of a road near the FC camp, which was closed during the general elections due to security concerns.
“If the road is part of the FC camp, we understand its closure. However, if it’s a public road, we urge its immediate reopening,” they said, highlighting the significant inconvenience caused by the closure.
Such security-related closures are not uncommon in Balochistan, with similar measures previously implemented in Turbat, Gwadar, and Khuzdar, often resulting in public discontent and protests against restrictions and the treatment at checkpoints.
Simultaneously, in Pasni, a dramatic protest unfolded against QESCO over unannounced load shedding. Women protesters locked QESCO staff inside their office, demanding an end to the power cuts that have become a daily ordeal.
The protesters expressed their frustration, saying, “We’re facing 12 to 18 hours of load shedding daily. With Ramadan approaching, we cannot tolerate this situation any longer. We pay our bills on time and expect a reliable electricity supply.”
Authorities have yet to respond to the grievances expressed by the residents in Kharan and Pasni.