Security official stand alert to avoid any untoward incident as violence erupts in city after incidents of target-killings in Quetta.            —(Arsalan Naseer/PPI Images).

QUETTA: Life came to a standstill as a wheel-jam and shutter down strike continues in the city on the call given by the Hazara Democratic Party and the Balochistan Shia conference over the killing of 9 members of the Shia Hazara community in the city on Saturday, DawnNews reported.

Shops and markets were shut all across the city and traffic vanished from the roads as the city wore a deserted look.

The call for strike was supported by various other parties in the province who also demanded for Governor’s rule to be imposed over the province.

Provincial Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi ordered an immediate crack-down against terrorists.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan Nawab Aslab Raisani called for a high level meeting regarding the law and order situation of the province which would be attended by both shia and sunni clerics.

Lawlessness and target killings have become a routine in Quetta due to which businesses in the provincial capital are suffering from stagnation as the day to day deteriorating law and order situation and strikes are causing losses worth millions of rupees

Security is essential for trade and businesses to flourish but it remains only a dream for the residents of Balochistan especially in its provincial capital city of Quetta.

Though people from all walks of life are affected by the strikes but it’s the daily wage earners who suffer the most. Daily producers of perishable items usually have to suffer more losses as their products are not sold due to untimely closure of business in the largest but least developed province of the country.

Opinion

Editorial

First steps
Updated 29 May, 2024

First steps

One hopes that this small change will pave the way for bigger things.
Rafah inferno
29 May, 2024

Rafah inferno

THE level of barbarity witnessed in Sunday’s Israeli air strike targeting a refugee camp in Rafah is shocking even...
On a whim
29 May, 2024

On a whim

THE sudden declaration of May 28 as a public holiday to observe Youm-i-Takbeer — the anniversary of Pakistan’s...
Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

Mobs turn into executioners due to the authorities’ helplessness before these elements.
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...