• Markets, bazaars remain closed as traders and residents join protest
• Organisers give administration four days to improve security situation
DERA MURAD JAMALI: Residents of Bhag city in Kachhi district observed a shutter-down strike on Wednesday following a call by the All Parties Action Committee to protest a deteriorating law and order situation marked by increasing incidents of theft, highway robberies, street crime and looting.
Political, social and tribal leaders, traders, transporters and people from different segments of society participated in the protest, expressing concern over a worsening security situation in the city and surrounding areas.
All bazaars, shops, shopping centres and markets remained closed throughout the day, while traffic on the city’s roads remained thin as residents avoided unnecessary travel.
Leaders of the All Parties Action Committee, including Mama Abdul Sattar Bangulzai, Rais Allah Ditta and representatives of political parties, led the protest and addressed participants.
Speaking to protesters, the leaders said the law and order situation in Bhag city and the entire tehsil had become “extremely alarming”, adding that citizens no longer felt secure in their homes, markets, highways or connecting roads.
They alleged that armed men were carrying out robberies openly during the day and fleeing after snatching cash, mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables from citizens.
The leaders also expressed concern over the impact of crime on government employees, saying schoolteachers, doctors and other officials travelling to villages and nearby areas for official duties were also facing security risks due to alleged robberies on roads.
The All Parties Action Committee gave the administration four days to recover recently snatched belongings, take action against criminal elements and improve the law and order situation.
They warned that if effective measures were not taken within the given timeframe, the committee would announce its future course of action.
Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026
