The Balochistan government has refused to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its planned jalsa in Quetta, citing serious security threats and concerns over the province’s law and order situation. The decision was reported by ARY News on Thursday, quoting official sources.
PTI, along with several allied opposition parties, had announced a large public jalsa at the Hockey Ground in Quetta on Friday, November 7, 2025. However, the authorities have imposed Section 144 across the city, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people. Officials said the restriction aims to prevent any untoward incident amid ongoing security risks.
According to official reports, the district administration informed the Balochistan High Court (BHC) that permission for the PTI jalsa could not be granted. The administration cited the deteriorating security environment as the main reason behind the decision, referencing recent terrorist incidents that have raised alarm across the province.
The move follows last month’s tragic blast that targeted a Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally in Quetta. At least 15 people were killed and more than 70 were injured when a powerful explosion struck near Shahwani Stadium, just 45 minutes after the event ended. Despite heavy security, the attack occurred around 500 meters from the main venue.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, said that 112 security personnel had been deployed for the BNP gathering. He added that organizers were repeatedly advised to end the event early. “Enemy elements are attempting to destabilize Pakistan after their defeat in Marka-e-Haq,” Shafqaat stated, revealing that 22 active threat alerts currently exist in the province.
Following the September attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced financial assistance for victims’ families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, calling it part of a “nefarious conspiracy” to spread instability in the region.
Authorities say that given the heightened threat level, allowing another large political jalsa in Quetta would risk public safety and could undermine recent security efforts.
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