Worsened law and order situation

The ongoing protests in Quetta following the abduction of 11-year-old Mohammad Musawir highlight the deepening security crisis in Balochistan, a province already grappling with longstanding challenges of lawlessness and unrest. Despite the boy’s kidnapping three days ago, authorities, including law enforcement agencies, have failed to recover him, further eroding public trust in the government’s ability to ensure the safety of its citizens.
The protest strike, organized by the Central Traders Association of Balochistan, has become a symbol of growing frustration with the provincial administration’s inability to protect the public from rising criminal activities. The situation is exacerbated by the disruption of vital transport routes, including the Quetta-Chaman Highway, which connects Balochistan to other parts of the country and is crucial for trade with Afghanistan. The blockage of roads has not only caused severe inconvenience to the general public but has also affected the local economy, particularly the Afghan transit trade.
More than just a protest against a single case, these demonstrations reflect the deep-seated concerns of a population that feels increasingly vulnerable in the face of unchecked violence. The fact that an 11-year-old child, the son of a prominent tribal elder, can be abducted in broad daylight with no immediate resolution from authorities speaks volumes about the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.
Political parties and community leaders are rightly demanding stronger measures to safeguard citizens, but the question remains: will the government act decisively to address the root causes of insecurity? The residents of Balochistan have waited long enough for justice and accountability, and it is high time that the authorities rise to the challenge. Only through swift action, transparency, and a comprehensive security strategy can public confidence in the system be restored.