Pakistan: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party calls for transport blockades across Balochistan Province, Jan. 8 amid ongoing strike in Quetta /update 1

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (JUI-F) plans to stage a transport strike across Balochistan Province on Jan. 8. The action is to denounce alleged irregularities in a recently concluded local election. Transport disruptions are likely as activists will likely blockade highways and interstate and intercity entry and exit points across the province; associated shipping disruptions are possible. Cancellations of rail services could also occur. Closures of local businesses such as markets are likely during the strike. Strike supporters may also forcibly enforce closures, mainly in suburban areas. Public entities and essential and emergency services are unlikely to be affected.

The provincewide strike comes amid an indefinite JUI-F shutdown strike in Quetta, which prompted authorities to impose mobile service restrictions in the city since Jan. 6; services are expected to be restored by 23:59 Jan. 7. Participation is likely to be moderate, with minimal disruptions to multinational corporations. Activists are likely to hold related protests during the strike, with up to several hundred people attending rallies. Protest plans may change at short notice if authorities deny or cancel permission for events. Further strike actions are likely through mid-February; JUI-F will likely confirm details in the following weeks.

While organizers have not announced details of strike-related gatherings, popular protest sites include government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Security personnel will almost certainly monitor any large protests and may disperse overly disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions and traffic curbs are likely near demonstrations; police may also impose roadblocks in downtown areas to prevent rallies in Islamabad and other major cities.

Local officials have previously issued Section 144 orders in the lead-up to large rallies; the rules prohibit unauthorized public gatherings of more than four people and the carriage of arms in public, among others. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Enhanced security measures such as expanded phone and internet restrictions are probable if significant violence breaks out.