Dozens of government employees were arrested in Quetta on Tuesday as police blocked a planned sit-in in the city’s Red Zone, where workers had gathered to demand the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance.
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services across Quetta and neighbouring areas during the protest, causing widespread disruption for users.
Government employees from across Balochistan had travelled to Quetta after an alliance of workers’ organizations announced a sit-in to press the authorities to meet their demands. Many government offices have remained partially paralysed in recent days due to the protest campaign.
However, late on Monday night the district administration placed containers at key entry points and completely sealed the Red Zone to stop protesters from reaching the area.
With the roads blocked, employees began gathering outside the Quetta Press Club, but police prevented them from assembling and arrested dozens at the scene.
Following the arrests, the Balochistan Grand Alliance announced a “jail bharo” (fill the jails) campaign.
Authorities said the Red Zone was sealed and internet services were suspended as a security measure in view of the planned demonstration. The shutdown caused significant inconvenience, with residents reporting difficulties accessing basic online services.