Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: A shutter-down strike was observed in the city against the worst inflation and skyrocketing prices of petroleum products on Saturday. Jamaat e Islami (JI) , the traders’ community had given the call to strike. The strike call was backed by the Jamaat e Islami (JI) and other political parties.
All main markets, shopping centers, and shops remained closed on the eve of the shutter down strike in the provincial capital. “We the trader’s community backed the strike call of Jamaat Islami against inflation”, Rahim Kakar, the President of the Markazi Anjuman e Tajaran said. He said all traders pulled down their shutters to record their protest against the worst inflation, and economic situation of the country.
The flow of traffic thin on roads
The traffic flow was also thin on roads and streets of Quetta because of the shutter-down strike. Baton-wielding policemen were deployed at all main roads and streets of the city to maintain order.
“Rulers have deprived people of a one-time meal”, Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi, the Balochistan Amir of the JI lamented. He said rulers must decrease their luxuries and avoid putting further burdens on the shoulders of the common man.
Police were also patrolling throughout the day on roads of the city to avert any untoward incident on the eve of the strike. Senior police officers were also in the city to personally monitor the situation.
Traders warn intensifying protests
“We have announced not to deposit our electricity bills”, Hazrat Ali Achakzai, another trader’s leader said. He said the traders’ community was fed up with increasing taxes and they were not in a position to pay such heavy bills.
The traders’ community and political parties have also threatened to intensify their protest if the government failed to give relief to the masses. “We will block the entire province if the government fails to do so”, Rahim Kakar warned the federal and provincial government.
