Staff Reporter:Â
Quetta – A complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike was observed across Balochistan on the call of opposition parties to protest the deadly suicide bombing at Shahwani Stadium that claimed 15 lives.
Commercial centers, shopping malls, and local markets remained closed, while traffic on major roads was sparse, bringing routine life to a halt.
Clashes erupted in several areas between protesters and police as security forces tried to disperse demonstrators. Police resorted to tear gas shelling, and several supporters of opposition parties were arrested during the unrest.
Opposition leaders remained active in the protest, vowing to continue their movement until the culprits of the Shahwani Stadium attack are brought to justice.
The province-wide strike reflected public outrage and grief over the tragedy, while political leaders emphasized that their demand is for accountability and immediate action against those behind the bombing.
Leaders of various opposition parties, including BNP’s Sajid Tareen Advocate, PKMAP’s Abdul Qahar Wadan, ANP’s Asghar Khan Achakzai, National Party Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, and PTI’s Dawood Shah Kakar, remained present throughout the day in different areas alongside their workers.
Clashes between police and protesters continued in a hide-and-seek manner, while highways and main roads wore a deserted look with almost no traffic.
The province’s ground connectivity was nearly cut off from the rest of the country as well as neighboring Afghanistan and Iran, further intensifying the impact of the strike.
