QUETTA: Police in Quetta continued a crackdown for a second day ahead of a planned protest and possible press conference by the Balochistan Grand Alliance in support of government employees’ demands.
Officers carried out arrests across several parts of the city. Police detained alliance leaders and workers as the operation continued.
Police arrested Balochistan Grand Alliance President Qudoos Kakar along with several other leaders. Authorities had detained more leaders a day earlier.
Police deployed heavy contingents around the Quetta Press Club and nearby areas. They aimed to prevent any protest or press conference.
Government employees and police briefly faced off at Manan Chowk. Tensions rose for a short time.
A large number of female employees joined the protest. They chanted slogans against the arrests.
Some government employees resisted during the police action.
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Quetta police said they acted to maintain law and order. Grand Alliance leaders accused police of trying to suppress a peaceful protest.
Authorities placed the city on high alert. Officials warned that further arrests remain possible.
