Quetta Protests Lead to Mass Arrests Under Section 144

QUETTA (Web Desk) – Law enforcement agencies arrested at least 200 activists belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party on Sunday as protests against alleged election rigging intensified in Balochistan’s capital.

The arrests were made following the enforcement of Section 144, which bans public gatherings. SSP Operations Quetta Asif Khan stated that police intervened to maintain order after demonstrators attempted to paralyze the city through road blockades and protests.

The demonstration was organized by Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, which had announced a complete shutdown across the city. As a result, Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan observed a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike. Commercial areas remained closed throughout the day, an unusual development as local traders typically observe their weekly holiday on Fridays.

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Protesters blocked major arteries linking Quetta to nearby regions and erected barricades along key highways, severely disrupting vehicular movement. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds and detained participants accused of violating the ban on public assemblies.

Officials said most detainees were affiliated with PKMAP, while a considerable number belonged to PTI. Traffic within the city and on national highways connecting northern areas remained heavily affected for several hours.

Further complicating the situation, mobile internet services were suspended in Quetta at around 2:00 pm and restored after 9:30 pm, cutting off residents and businesses from digital communication for much of the day.