QUETTA: Central Association of Traders Balochistan on Monday demanded an immediate end to a month-long “smart lockdown” ah­ead of the Eidul Azha holiday, warning of widespread protests if the government does not lift the restrictions.

The association’s president, Abdul Rahim Kakar, set a May 14 deadline for the government to act.

He warned that if the restrictions are not lifted, traders will follow directives from the All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran to launch a shutter-down strike across Balochistan and join countrywide protests.

“With Eidul Azha approaching, traders have invested millions in inventory,” Kakar said at a press conference.

He added that the lockdown is devastating small business owners who rely on the peak holiday season.

“The lockdown is devastating small shopkeepers, street vendors, and workers in the clothing, footwear, and mobile sectors who rely on this peak season for their annual livelihood,” Kakar said.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026