Protesters in Chaman have retaliated against the eviction of their protest camps and the reopening of the Chaman-Quetta highway by vandalizing the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The incident occurred after Levies personnel cleared the protest camps and reopened the highway, which had been blocked for several days.
Following the initial dispersal of protesters, they regrouped and attacked the Deputy Commissioner’s office, causing significant damage to the building. Deputy Commissioner Raja Athar Abbas, who was targeted during the attack, escaped unharmed. Levies personnel quickly apprehended the perpetrators, preventing further violence, and an anti-terrorism FIR has been registered against the attackers.
The protest began several days ago, sparked by the arrest of seven individuals and the filing of terrorism charges against ten others. Protesters are demanding the release of the arrested individuals and the dropping of the terrorism charges. The situation in Chaman remains tense, with internet services partially suspended, and protesters have set up a new camp outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
This incident follows a recent attack on polio workers in Chaman, in which two Levies personnel were injured and two female polio workers were assaulted, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The reopening of the Chaman-Quetta highway, a crucial trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was short-lived as the highway remains blocked, halting all trade and travel between the two countries.
Government Response
The Balochistan government has taken action against the protesters after they disrupted public order and challenged state authority. The district administration reported that protesters had closed banks, locked down the passport office, shut down the press club, and blocked major roads, creating widespread chaos in the city. To restore peace and order, Levies forces intervened against the disruptive elements.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government stated that efforts had been made to resolve the issue through dialogue. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti instructed ministers and the speaker to visit Chaman and engage with the protesters. However, the protesters remained unwilling to negotiate, resulting in a stalemate. The spokesperson also noted that the protesters had repeatedly challenged the law and state authority over the past month, including attacks on the FC fort, polio teams, and the Deputy Commissioner’s complex.
The district administration confirmed that the Chaman-Quetta highway has been reopened to traffic after the removal of illegal roadblocks, but the overall situation remains volatile as tensions continue to simmer.
