Shutdown Strike by JUI Declared Fully Successful Across Balochistan Including Chaman and Quetta
Strike Held Against Actions Targeting Religious Seminaries and Killing of Shaheed Sheikh Idris
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) organized a province-wide shutdown strike across Balochistan against actions targeting religious seminaries, the worsening law and order situation, and the brutal killing of renowned religious scholar Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idris in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The strike was observed on Wednesday in the provincial capital Quetta as well as in Pishin, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Nushki, Dhadar, Kalat, Ziarat, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, and other district headquarters across Baloch and Pashtun regions. The shutdown remained in effect until 5 PM.
In the border city of Chaman, a massive protest rally was taken out from the madrassa of Hafiz Abdul Zahir. The rally was led by district Ameer Maulana Abdul Mannan and marched through various roads of the city before turning into a large public gathering at Chaman Palestine Chowk.
The gathering was addressed by Maulana Abdul Mannan, Maulana Sharafuddin, Mufti Muhammad Qasim, Maulana Shamsullah, Hafiz Muhammad Yousaf, Maulana Muhammad Mir, Maulana Abdul Khaliq Khadim, Hafiz Abdul Razzaq, District Chairman Haji Amanullah Achakzai, and other speakers.
The speakers strongly criticized the Balochistan provincial government, stating that it has completely failed to resolve public issues. They said that due to its inability to control the deteriorating law and order situation, the government is now attempting to divert public attention by targeting religious seminaries.
The leaders declared religious seminaries as their “red line” and vowed to protect them at all costs, even with their blood. They further stated that history proves that from British colonial powers to other global forces, all who challenged these institutions ultimately failed with the help of Allah.
The speakers expressed deep sorrow and grief over the brutal killing of Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idris, calling his death a tragic loss for the Muslim Ummah.
JUI Provincial Ameer Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey, while addressing a large public gathering in Qila Saifullah, stated that if the demands are not accepted, the party will launch even stronger protests against inflation and unemployment in the next phase.
He condemned the killing of Maulana Muhammad Idris, describing those responsible as inhumane, and criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for failing to protect such a prominent religious personality. He added that if the government cannot ensure the safety of such individuals, then the condition of ordinary citizens is even more alarming.
Maulana Abdul Wasey demanded the immediate arrest of the killers and exemplary punishment, warning that otherwise JUI will defend its leadership at any cost.
He further announced that if their demands are not met, a long march towards Quetta will be held on May 10, where the future course of action will be decided.
