Strike In Balochistan Over Power Cuts

QUETTA: A strike was observed in Quetta and many Pakhtun-dominated areas of Balochistan on Thursday against long spells of loadshedding.

The Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party had given a call for the strike which was supported by traders. All markets, shops and shopping centres remained closed in Quetta.

Even medical stores and hotels were closed, creating serious problems for the people.

Baton-wielding policemen were deployed on all important roads and official buildings to avert any untoward incident during the strike.

Police and Frontier Corps personnel patrolled streets and roads of the city to maintain order. No untoward incident was reported from any part of the city.

The strike was also observed in Chaman, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Zhob, Killa Saifullah and other Pakhtun-dominated areas of Balochistan. Workers of PkMAP marched on different roads of Loralai to vent their anger over the problem.

Provincial president of the party Usman Kakar told Dawn that if loadshedding was not discontinued soon, his party would give more calls for strike and take extreme steps against Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco) and the government.

He said the Qesco had announced 18 hours of loadshedding which was unacceptable to growers because it was their crop season.

He thanked all people who supported their strike call.

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