At least 200 workers belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party were arrested on Sunday in Quetta during protests against alleged election rigging. The arrests were made as authorities enforced Section 144, which was imposed to prevent large public gatherings and maintain law and order in the provincial capital.
According to SSP Operations Quetta Asif Khan, police acted after protesters attempted to disrupt normal life in the city. He said the administration had imposed restrictions in advance, but demonstrators still took to the streets, forcing law enforcement agencies to intervene to control the situation.
The protests were organized under the banner of Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, also known as the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan. The group had called for a city-wide shutdown to protest alleged irregularities in the recent elections, urging supporters to block roads and suspend commercial activities.
As a result, Quetta and several other cities across Balochistan witnessed a rare “shutter-down” and wheel-jam strike. All major markets and business centers remained closed throughout the day, an unusual scene for a Sunday, as traders in Quetta typically observe their weekly holiday on Fridays.
Protesters blocked key roads linking Quetta to surrounding districts and erected barricades on important highways, severely disrupting traffic flow. Commuters faced long delays, while transport to and from northern regions remained partially suspended for several hours.
Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowds and carried out mass arrests of those found violating Section 144. Officials said most of the detained individuals were affiliated with PKMAP, although a significant number of PTI workers were also taken into custody during the crackdown.
The situation was further aggravated when mobile phone internet services in Quetta were suspended around 2:00 PM. The suspension, which lasted until approximately 9:30 PM, left residents, businesses, and journalists without digital connectivity, adding to public frustration during an already tense situation.
Authorities later said the arrests and temporary suspension of services were necessary to restore calm. However, political parties criticized the actions, calling them excessive. The developments have once again highlighted rising political tensions in Balochistan following the elections.
Also read: Allegations Against PTI Leaders Rejected—Details Inside
