Markets across Kharan remained closed on Tuesday as traders observed an indefinite shutter-down strike on the call of the Kharan Traders Association to protest a series of armed robberies and thefts in the town.

According to the Kharan Traders Association, the strike was launched in response to repeated daylight robberies allegedly carried out at gunpoint, which traders say have created a sense of insecurity among the business community.

The association urged all members of the trading community to remain united and make the strike successful, stressing that the protest aims to press the authorities to ensure the protection of traders' lives and property, restore law and order, and take effective measures to curb rising crime.

The decision to observe the indefinite strike was announced following an emergency jirga held by the Traders Association a day earlier. During the meeting, traders demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in recent robbery incidents and called for them to be brought before the law.

Business leaders warned that the strike would continue until the authorities take concrete steps to improve security and address the concerns of the local trading community.

There was no immediate response from the district administration or law enforcement authorities regarding the traders' demands at the time of publication.