QUETTA, Feb 1: A partial strike was observed in the provincial capital and several district headquarters on a call by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) and Balochistan National Party (Awami) in protest against the imposition of governor’s rule in the province.

Trading centres and shopping plazas remained closed in the main bazaars and suburbs of the city. However, vehicles plied on the roads as usual.

Addressing a press conference, Senator Hafiz Hamdullah of the JUI-F accused police of using tear gas and arresting several activists even though the strike was peaceful.

Police sources said that 20 activists were arrested for blocking roads in different areas. The protesters burned tyres on Sariab road and Joint road and Western and Eastern bypasses.

Shops also remained closed in Pishin, Chaman, Muslimbagh, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Loralai, Zhob, Harnai, Sibi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Nushki and Turbat. The protesters blocked highways and stopped traffic for several hours on roads connecting Quetta with Karachi, Nushki, Sibi and Chaman.