GWADAR: Hundreds of angry people have blocked the National Highway connecting Turbat to other areas of Karachi and Balochistan, staging a sit-in protest against the suspension of power supply to Mand, Turbat and other border areas for the lase one week.

The protest call was issued by all parties’ alliance who have announced that the sit-in protest will continue until power supply is restored to all affected areas in Makran.

Hundreds of people from Mand, Turbat and other affected areas gathered at D-Baloch Point, carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands, and chanted slogans against the Quetta Electricity Supply Company (Qesco).

The protestors blocked the main highway with barricades and barriers, cutting off Turbat and other areas from Karachi and other parts of Makran and Balochistan. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses, loaded trucks and other vehicles, were stranded on the M-8, causing difficulties for passengers, particularly women and children who were travelling to various destinations.

Kech Deputy Commissioner Hussan Jan Baloch and other officials held negotiations with the protest leaders, which continued till late night but remained fruitless.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2023