Markets close in Pakistan’s Bhag over crime protests — Dawn

In the city of Bhag in Kachhi district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, residents held a strike, closing shops and markets over the deteriorating security situation. Political, public and tribal leaders, traders, transporters and other residents joined the protest called by the All Parties Action Committee, Dawn reports.

Markets remained closed all day

All bazaars, shops, shopping centres and markets in the city remained closed throughout the day. Traffic on Bhag’s roads was light, as residents avoided non-essential travel.

The protest was led by representatives of the All Parties Action Committee, including Mama Abdul Sattar Bangulzai, Rais Allah Ditta and representatives of political parties. They said that the law-and-order situation in Bhag and across the entire tehsil had become extremely alarming, and people did not feel safe at home, in markets, on highways or on connecting roads.

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Demands to the administration

The protest organisers say that armed men carry out robberies in broad daylight and take cash, mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables from people. They also said there were risks for teachers, doctors and other public servants travelling to villages and nearby areas on official business.

The committee gave the administration four days to return recently seized items, take action against people involved in crimes and improve the security situation. Participants warned that they would announce further steps after the deadline if effective measures were not taken.