QUETTA: Leaders of the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan, on Friday held protest demonstrations across several districts of Balochistan against inflation, unemployment, lawlessness and the continued detention of former prime minister .
The protests were organised following a decision taken at a meeting chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who heads the alliance and chairs the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party.
Demonstrations were held in Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, Qila Saifullah, Sibi, Ziarat, Loralai, Harnai and Zhob.
The main protest rally in Quetta was presided over by Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party secretary general Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and addressed by leaders of various opposition groups, including PTI and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen.
Speakers criticised what they termed “Form-47 rulers”, alleging that democratic norms, constitutional supremacy and judicial independence had been undermined.
They demanded the release of founder of PTI and other political prisoners and called for the restoration of constitutional rule and parliamentary supremacy.
The speakers also highlighted rising inflation, unemployment and deteriorating law and order, saying people were facing growing hardship due to checkpoints, restrictions on trade, and rising prices of petroleum products and essential commodities.
They called for the restoration of border trade through a proper customs clearance mechanism at Chaman and other crossing points, and opposed raids on markets and business centres by enforcement agencies.
The protesters also condemned incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in different parts of the country, urging authorities to ensure protection of life and property.
During the protest in Quetta, opposition leaders alleged that police disrupted the gathering and removed the sound system, describing the action as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
