QUETTA:
Tensions in Quetta escalated on Wednesday as police continued a crackdown on government employees on the second day of protests led by the Balochistan Grand Alliance, resulting in the arrest of several leaders and dozens of employees.
Among those arrested were Grand Alliance head Professor Abdul Quddus Kakar, Dr Muhammad Akram Wardag, Khadim Bugti, Haji Yunus Kakar, Qaim Khan Kakar, Rahmatullah Zehri, and members of the alliance’s organising and core committees, along with a large number of government employees.
Clashes broke out at Manan Chowk, where protesters and police faced off in a tense standoff. A significant number of female employees were also present. Sources said government employees gathered at the site strongly resisted the arrests.
Police attempted to disperse the protesters using baton charges and other measures, leaving several people injured.
The protest is centred on the non-payment of the Disparity Reduction Allowance, demands for equal pay, and other long-standing grievances.
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The Grand Alliance had earlier announced a “jail bharo” movement, a pen-down strike and the closure of government offices across Balochistan. These actions have now intensified, with protesters accusing police of using unnecessary force to suppress what they described as a peaceful demonstration, including against women employees.
An eyewitness said, “Hundreds of employees, including women, were peacefully seated at Manan Chowk, but the police suddenly launched an operation.”
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Videos from the scene showed a highly tense situation during the arrests, as protesters continued chanting slogans. Grand Alliance leaders condemned the crackdown, calling it “a misuse of state power by the government.”
Police crackdown on government employees protesting in Quetta PHOTO: EXPRESS
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the arrests. However, sources said behind-the-scenes negotiations were under way to defuse the situation.
The Grand Alliance warned that if its arrested leaders were not released and its demands were not met, the protest could expand from the provincial to the national level.
Government operations across Quetta and other districts were disrupted, causing difficulties for the public.
