QUETTA: A peaceful and complete  shutter down strike was observed in Quetta and many other parts of Balochistan on the eve of the first death anniversary of Baloch nationalist leader, Nawabzada Balaach Marri, on Thursday.

In many areas of southern and central Balochistan the traffic remained off the roads on the call of a wheel jam strike by the Baloch Republican Party, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) and Baloch student organizations.

The business community and traders responded positively to the strike call and all shopping centers, plazas, markets and business establishments remained closed in Quetta and its surrounding areas during the day.

Reports reaching here from others parts of Balochistan said all kind of business activities remained suspended in Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Sibi, Dera Allahyar, Dera Murad Jamali, Mach, Noshki, Dalbandin, Wadah, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Dhadhar, Turbat, Pasni, Gwadar and Hub.

All shops and business centers remained closed in these areas. Reports say all vehicular traffic also remained suspended. Workers and supporters of Baloch nationalist parties blocked national highways lining Quetta with Karachi and other parts of the country putting barricades.

No passenger coach and other bases could leave for Karachi and other parts of the country from Quetta due to the blocking of highways at various points. Traffic was also affected at the coastal highway linking Karachi to Gwadar and other areas of Makran.

However, in Quetta, the wheel jam strike call was partially observed.

The provincial government deployed heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies, including police, FC, and the Balochistan Constabulary in Quetta.

No untoward incident was reported from any part of Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.