QUETTA: A complete shutter-down strike was observed in the provincial capital and other towns and cities of Balochistan on Saturday on the call of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) to protest against Israel’s aggression in Palestine.

Markets, businesses and even private banks remained closed in Quetta and other areas of the province to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Shops also remained closed in areas adjoining Quetta as all major traders’ associations supported the strike. However, the hotels, restaurants, medical stores and bread shops remained open in Quetta.

Quetta city presented a deserted look as traffic was also minimal, with people preferring to stay at home.

The JI leadership hailed the support for its strike call, saying the people of Balochistan had demonstrated their opposition to Israeli aggression and their love for Palestinians.

Rallies and demonstrations were also held in Quetta and other districts as protesters urged the international community to take action to stop the atrocities in Palestine.

They called upon Muslim rulers to support the people of Palestine through practical steps.

In Dera Murad Jamali, JI workers and supporters took out a rally and marched on the roads carrying placards and banners calling for a boycott of American and Israeli products.

Similar protests were held in Dera Allayar and Usta Muhammad.

JI provincial emir and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch thanked traders’ organisations, shopkeepers, and citizens for making the strike successful.

He said the unity against oppression and lawlessness would strengthen their cause.

Traders in Zhob, Loralai, Pishin, Chaman, Dera Murad Jamali, Khuzdar, Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Sibi, Daldandin, Hub and Kharan also kept their shops and businesses closed to express solidarity with Palestinians.

Ali Jan Mangi in Nasirabad, Behram Baloch in Gwadar and Abdul Wahid Shahwani in Khuzdar also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2025