Ali Hamza
QUETTA: The strike planned by the traders’ community in Quetta on August 7 and 8 has been postponed after successful negotiations between the Balochistan government and representatives of the Anjuman Tajiran Balochistan (Registered).
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held at the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation Office, attended by Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah, and Anjuman Tajiran Balochistan (Registered) President Abdul Rahim Agha.
Speaking to the media, Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove described traders as an essential pillar of the economy and said it is the government’s responsibility to resolve their legitimate concerns. He reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen and appreciated the traders for choosing dialogue after registering their protest.
Langove announced that the provincial government has constituted a special committee to address the issues raised by the business community. The committee will include the Deputy Commissioner Quetta and the Administrator of Quetta Metropolitan Corporation, who will work closely with traders to resolve pending matters.
President of the Anjuman Tajiran Balochistan (Registered), Abdul Rahim Agha, said the government had assured the traders that the concerns of 986 shopkeepers, along with issues related to Haleem Plaza, would be addressed. Following these assurances, he officially announced the postponement of the planned strike.
“We have reached a positive understanding with the government and hope the traders’ issues will now be resolved,” Agha said.
During the press conference, the Home Minister reiterated that the demands of the traders are genuine and promised that the provincial government would take practical measures to resolve them.
Addressing the broader security situation, Langove urged the public not to be misled by fake news circulating on social media. He said anti-state elements continue to exploit every opportunity to disrupt peace in Balochistan, adding that the government’s priority is to ensure the safety of national highways and maintain law and order across the province.
He warned that authorities would impose curfews or launch security operations wherever necessary to protect public safety. Referring to the recent murder of the father of Asma Jatak, Langove confirmed that law enforcement agencies are conducting raids to arrest the suspects involved in the case.
The joint announcement has eased concerns among traders and residents, with business activities in Quetta expected to continue normally after the withdrawal of the proposed strike.
