Quetta, 10 August (H.S.): Authorities have imposed a curfew in Surab district of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province as part of measures to address the prevailing security situation. According to local media reports, the restrictions will remain in force from August 9 to August 15, during which residents will not be permitted to leave their homes between 8 PM and 9 AM each day.

According to a notification issued by the administration, the curfew has been imposed in view of the law-and-order situation in the area. Residents have been instructed to comply with prescribed security guidelines and remain indoors throughout the curfew hours. The notification also states that individuals violating the order will be held responsible for any consequences or harm arising from their actions.

Meanwhile, the administration in Khuzdar district has also ordered restrictions on commercial activities during night hours. According to an order issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, all markets, shops, hotels and other commercial establishments will remain closed from 8 PM to 10 AM. The directive will remain in effect until further orders.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the security situation in Balochistan. Last month, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, claimed that 19-year-old labourer Saeed Ahmed was allegedly forcibly disappeared from the Nigar area of Surab on July 12.

Concerns have also been raised by Baloch activists and human rights groups over the killing of Baloch civilian Inayatullah Jattak in Khuzdar.

According to Baloch Voice for Justice, Jattak was shot dead on August 4. The organisation claimed that a few hours before the incident, his daughter, Asma Jattak, had publicly expressed concerns about the safety of her family.

The latest restrictions in Surab and Khuzdar come amid continuing concerns over law and order and the security environment across several parts of Balochistan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar