A shutter-down strike was observed in several cities across Balochistan on Monday in response to a call by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), as the party’s sit-in protest at Lakpass, Mastung, entered its eleventh day.
The strike was called to protest the blockade of BNP-M’s long march toward Quetta. The party’s president, Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, had announced the march for 6 April after three rounds of negotiations with the provincial government failed to reach an agreement.
However, Pakistani forces reportedly blocked the procession’s entry into Quetta, using tear gas and shelling to disperse the crowd.
Shutter-down strikes were held in cities including Gwadar, Turbat, Pasni, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Kharan, Mastung, Kalat, Dalbandin, Nushki, Surab, and Hub. Markets, shops, and banks remained closed, and public transport services were severely disrupted.
In Quetta, business activity came to a halt in several areas, including Kachi Baig, Sariab Road, Quetta Bazaar, and Burma Hotel, where traders observed a complete shutdown in response to the BNP-M’s call.
In Wadh, Sardar Mengal’s hometown, a complete strike was also observed. All commercial centres remained closed for a second consecutive day.
The strike was organized by the BNP-M in protest against what the party says is the unlawful arrest of its supporters and the state’s obstruction of the long march. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced full support for the strike.
The BNP-M continues to demand the release of detained BYC leaders and activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, and Bebarg Zehri, as well as an end to the crackdown on protest sit-ins.