The Balochistan Grand Alliance, a representative body of government employees, has announced an indefinite closure of all government institutions across the province in response to the arrests of employees, alleged torture, and restrictions imposed on their protest activities. As a result, numerous government offices and educational institutions remained closed on Thursday.
Peaceful Protests Met with Force
Leaders of the Grand Alliance stated that government employees have been peacefully protesting for the past two years to secure their legitimate demands and rights. Instead of addressing their grievances, they alleged, the government has resorted to imposing bans on protest activities. They claimed that during Wednesday's protest in Quetta, police used tear gas shells and arrested several employees.
Escalation of Protest Movement
Strongly condemning the action, the alliance decided to intensify and expand the protest movement throughout Balochistan. The Grand Alliance announced that protest rallies and demonstrations will begin across the province from today (Thursday). Additionally, a "fast unto death" hunger strike camp will be established on June 19 in front of the Quetta Press Club.
Appeal to Leadership
The alliance has urged President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Faryal Talpur to take immediate notice of the situation in Balochistan and ensure the injustices against government employees are addressed without delay.
Disruption of Government Functions
The shutdown has already begun disrupting government functions province-wide. The closure of educational institutions has also created difficulties for students and parents, many of whom fear that prolonged protests could jeopardise the current academic year. The Balochistan Grand Alliance has made it clear that the protest movement will continue until all their demands are accepted and the arrested employees are released.
Previous Day's Events
It may be recalled that on Wednesday, police used tear gas to disperse members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance after they attempted to march towards the Red Zone and the provincial assembly in Quetta, leading to the arrest of several leaders and government employees. BGA workers and government employees staged rallies in various parts of Quetta, with all processions converging at Chaman Phatak before marching towards the Balochistan Assembly. Police intervened to stop the protesters from entering the high-security area and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several alliance leaders and employees were taken into custody during the operation.
