QUETTA (Web Desk) – Authorities in Balochistan’s Surab district have imposed a night curfew until August 15 amid concerns over the law and order situation, while the administration in neighbouring Khuzdar has restricted the operating hours of markets and other commercial establishments.
According to an official notification issued by the Surab district administration, the curfew will be enforced daily from 8pm to 9am from August 9 through August 15.
Residents have been advised to remain indoors during the restricted hours and avoid unnecessary movement. The administration has also directed citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and follow security-related standard operating procedures issued for their protection.
The notification warned that people violating the curfew would do so at their own risk and could face legal action.
Khuzdar markets to close at 8pm
Meanwhile, the Khuzdar district administration has announced revised timings for commercial activities in the district in response to security concerns.
Under an order issued by the office of the Khuzdar deputy commissioner, markets, shops, hotels and other commercial establishments will remain closed from 8pm to 10am every day.
The restriction has taken effect immediately and will remain in place until further orders.
The administration said the measure was temporary and had been introduced as a precautionary step to protect the lives and property of citizens as well as members of the business community.
However, pharmacies, medical stores, private hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been exempted from the restrictions because they provide essential services.
Assistant commissioners, magistrates and police officials have been directed to ensure implementation of the order in their respective jurisdictions.
The administration has urged traders, business owners and residents to cooperate with authorities and comply with the revised timings to help reduce potential security risks.
Officials said the restrictions would be reviewed in light of the prevailing security situation and could be amended after an assessment of conditions in the districts.
Security measures expanded
The latest measures come after authorities in Kalat and Khuzdar earlier advised traders and members of the business community to close their establishments in the evening and urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement at night amid security concerns.
The imposition of the curfew in Surab and the revised commercial timings in Khuzdar indicate heightened security precautions in parts of Balochistan.
Authorities have not provided further details about the specific security threats that prompted the latest restrictions.
