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       QUETTA: A large number of women in Mastung staged a protest on Friday in sub-zero temperatures, blocking the Quetta-Karachi Highway to demand the restoration of gas pressure and end to loadshedding in the town and surrounding areas.

       Accompanied by their children, the demonstrators gathered outside the deputy commissioner’s house, placing barricades and boulders on the highway, which brought traffic to a standstill.

       The protesters criticised the district administration and the Sui Southern Gas Company for their indifference, accusing officials of failing to address their concerns.

       After five hours, Mastung Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Akram Hareefal, Tehsildar Buland Khan and Mastung Municipal Committee Chairman Dr Faisal Manan, along with a deputy manager of the gas company, negotiated with the protesters.

       They assured the restoration of gas pressure and pledged to limit load-shedding to post-midnight.

       Following this assurance, the protesters reopened the road to traffic.

       Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024