QUETTA, June 24, A shutter-down strike was observed in many parts of Balochistan on Wednesday following a call by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to protest the life imprisonment sentences handed down to BYC leaders Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee.

Markets, business centres and transport services remained closed in several districts, including Quetta, Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Dalbandin, Washuk, Awaran, Kharan, Surab, Wadh and parts of Hub, according to statements issued by the BYC and local observers.

Several political parties, lawyers' organisations and nationalist groups had earlier announced support for the strike call. Among those expressing support were the Balochistan National Party (BNP), Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkMAP), National Democratic Movement (NDM), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Balochistan chapter, and a number of lawyers' associations.

BYC supporters organized pamphleting campaigns, corner meetings and awareness activities in Quetta, Khuzdar and other districts ahead of the strike.

Participants in the protests questioned the judicial proceedings that resulted in the convictions of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee. Protesters argued that the trial process lacked transparency and called for what they described as a fair and open legal process.

Government officials and the prosecution have maintained that the convictions were issued through legal proceedings conducted under applicable laws and court procedures.

While the strike was widely observed in several districts, reports from various areas indicated that some markets and businesses remained partially open, with the level of participation differing from district to district.

No major incidents of violence were reported during the strike. However, the demonstrations highlighted continuing political divisions over the recent court verdict and the broader debate surrounding political activism, security and human rights in Balochistan.

The sentencing of the BYC leaders has generated significant discussion across the province, with supporters viewing the verdict as an attack on political dissent, while state authorities maintain that legal action was taken in accordance with the law.