Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in Khadkocha, a sub-tehsil of Mastung district, further expanding movement restrictions already reported in several parts of Balochistan.
According to the Balochistan Home Department, the curfew came into effect at 8:00pm on Wednesday and will remain in force until further orders.
A spokesperson for the Home Department said the measure had been imposed to “maintain peace and public safety”. Residents have been barred from leaving their homes, while all unnecessary movement has been prohibited.
“Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the curfew orders,” the spokesperson said.
Local reports, however, alleged that residents had been warned they could be shot if they left their homes during the curfew, causing anger and concern in the area.
The curfew follows the July 16 attack in Khadkocha, for which the Baloch Liberation Army later claimed responsibility, saying 62 Pakistani military personnel, including three officers, were killed in coordinated attacks on a convoy, its security escort and reinforcements.
The latest order comes amid a wider pattern of curfews, road closures and movement restrictions in parts of Balochistan following attacks by Baloch pro-independence armed groups.
Similar curbs have remained in force for several months in Noshki district and Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar, where local sources say Pakistani forces have restricted residents’ movement and barred travel without permission.
Residents and local political groups have said prolonged restrictions in those areas disrupted access to food supplies, healthcare and other essential services.
Restrictions imposed after the July 3 BLA Majeed Brigade attack on a Pakistan Coast Guards camp in Panwan have also continued in Jiwani, where local sources said Pakistani forces have set fixed entry and exit timings for the coastal town.
According to local sources, residents are allowed to enter or leave Jiwani only between 7:00am and 10:00am, and again between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Movement outside those hours is not permitted.
Residents said the restrictions had disrupted work, education, access to medical treatment and supplies of food, water and medicines. They described the measures as collective punishment, saying no court order or clear legal justification had been presented to the public.