A complete shutdown enveloped the provincial capital on Tuesday, protesting the unresolved kidnapping of an 11-year-old student after five days of search efforts by authorities.
The strike, initiated by the sit-in committee and traders’ association, showed solidarity with the family of the abducted child. It garnered support from several political parties, prompting the business community to close their establishments for the day.
All major markets, shopping plazas, and business centres were shuttered.
Traffic lightened considerably as many residents chose not to use their vehicles. The shutdown and ensuing roadblocks, especially the closure of Zarghoon Road, where protestors gathered at Unity Chowk, created difficulties for students and government workers.
Authorities enforced strict security measures, including heightened surveillance at key points and routine checks on individuals and vehicles.
At the Balochistan High Court, Haji Raz Mohammad, the distressed father of the kidnapped boy, voiced his dismay over the lack of progress in finding his son, also requesting the army chief to assist in securing his son’s safe return.
He expressed gratitude to the public for their overwhelming support and dispelled rumours of any contact with the kidnappers as unfounded. He noted that decisions on further actions would come from the sit-in committee.
Throughout the day, lawyers and political leaders visited the sit-in, offering their support to the family of the missing student.
