QUETTA, March 9: Amid tight security and the presence of army troops in the central areas of the city, people got busy in their business and other activities during the 12-hour-long relaxation in curfew restriction on Tuesday.

It was for the first time that a 12-hour relaxation from 7am to 7pm in curfew in the main city area was allowed since the attack on Ashura procession on March 2. However, curfew had already been completely lifted from other areas of the city. Banks opened on Tuesday and heavy rush of people was witnessed there for depositing utility bills and drawing their salary.

Rush was also witnessed in different bazars as people got busy in purchasing daily use items after drawing their salaries. However, most of the traders and business people did not open their shops in Liaquat Bazar and along Abdul Sattar Road as traders organizations had asked their community not to open their shops and markets until compensation to those whose properties were burnt down at Prince Road and other areas.

The army troops and personnel of other law enforcement agencies were alert to meet any untoward incident in any area of the city. Troops were also seen with machineguns and other weapons at the rooftops of multi-storey houses and buildings in the affected area. No untoward incident was, however, reported from any area of the city.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: Meanwhile, the district Nazim of Quetta city government, Mohammad Rahim Kakar, has announced that all schools and colleges in Quetta district would remain close till March 15. Earlier, educational institutions were scheduled to open on March 10.