QUETTA: Workers and supporters of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F staged protest rallies and demonstrations across Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, on Friday against rising inflation, deteriorating law and order, unemployment, corruption, repeated increases in petroleum prices, and what the party termed the government’s extravagant spending and anti-people policies.

The protests were organised on the call of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and under the directives of the party’s provincial leadership. Thousands of party workers, religious scholars, tribal elders, traders, youth, and people from different walks of life participated in rallies and public gatherings held in almost all districts of the province.

Speakers at the demonstrations strongly criticised the government over soaring inflation, worsening security conditions, unemployment, and administrative failures. They said people were struggling to secure basic necessities, jobs, and peace, while the rulers remained engaged in lavish spending and failed policies.

The JUI-F leaders stated that the movement was not merely political but aimed at protecting the rights of the public. They warned that the protests would continue until public grievances were addressed.

In Muslim Bagh, district Qila Saifullah, a massive rally led by JUI-F Balochistan chief Maulana Abdul Wasey drew thousands of participants and later turned into a large public gathering.

In Quetta, thousands also joined a major protest rally, chanting slogans against the government and demanding relief for the public.

In Sanjavi, district Ziarat, a large rally was led by JUI-F provincial spokesman Haji Dilawar Khan Kakar, while traders fully supported the protest movement.

Similar demonstrations were held in Qila Abdullah, Khuzdar, Kalat, Musa Khel, Chaman, Harnai, Zhob, and Sherani under the leadership of local and provincial party leaders. Large rallies and gatherings were also organised in Mastung, Noshki, Chagai, Dalbandin, Panjgur, Awaran, Lasbela, Hub, Dukki, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Kohlu, Turbat, and Gwadar, where participants voiced serious concerns over inflation, insecurity, and governance issues.

Senior religious scholars actively led the protests, while participants pledged to continue the movement. JUI-F leaders also announced preparations for a major gathering in Pishin on June 4 during the visit of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, urging workers from across Balochistan to participate in large numbers.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2026