Shutter-down strike as Balochistan mourns Mastung bus attack victims

QUETTA: A complete shutdown of commercial activities was witnessed across major cities of Balochistan on Sunday as the province mourned the victims of a gruesome terrorist attack on a passenger bus in Mastung.

The Balochistan government had announced three days official mourning in the province.

Shops and business centers remained closed while traffic remained sparse on roads as part of the strike being observed in major cities of northern Balochistan, including Chaman, Pishin, Zhob, Loralai, Harnai, Musakhel, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Sibi, and other areas.

Protest rallies were taken out in different cities by political parties including Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami party (PkMAP), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema Islami -Ideological, as well as major associations of traders and retailers.

Meanwhile, bus services to Karachi from Chaman, Pishin and the provincial capital Quetta remained suspended for a second day following the incident, causing difficulties for travelers.

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CM Balochistan calls APC on June 2

On the hand, Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has called an All Parties Conference (APC) in Quetta on June 2.

The APC will attempt to formulate a joint strategy in consultation with all attending parties in light of the prevailing security and law and order situation after the Mastung terror attack.

According to sources, the Balochistan chief minister has called the APC after consultation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. All political parties are expected to attend the conference.