BNP-M Stays Resolute in Protest Against Pakistani Govt Amid Security Tensions

Quetta(The Uttam Hindu): The Balochistan National Party (BNP) has persisted with its protest for the 10th consecutive day on Sunday, despite warnings from the Balochistan government to restrict the demonstration to Quetta's Shahwani Stadium. The provincial government had threatened legal action against any violations of law if the protestors moved into the city’s red zone, according to local media reports. The protest, led by BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal, had set a deadline for the acceptance of its demands, including the release of Mahrang Baloch. The deadline passed on Saturday midnight, and the party vowed to continue marching from Lakpass in Mastung to Quetta on April 6.

For the past 10 days, the BNP has been protesting against the enforced disappearances of political activists in Balochistan and the illegal detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including Mahrang Baloch, as reported by The Express Tribune. On Saturday, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that the provincial government had proposed allowing the BNP-M to protest at Shawani Stadium on Sariab Road. However, the party rejected this offer, insisting on holding their demonstration in the Red Zone, which the government refused to accept, threatening strict action if the area was breached. The BNP-M accused the government of using aggressive tactics, claiming that security forces had surrounded their leader, Akhtar Mengal, and other protesters at the sit-in.

Mengal, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said, "We are currently surrounded by security forces at Lakpass, and a major operation against us seems imminent. I urge all districts to shut down national highways in protest. Let the world witness this injustice." He added, "We remain peaceful but resolute. Whatever happens today—whether it's bloodshed or further fallout—will be solely the responsibility of the government and local administration." The sit-in protest continues in the Lakpass area on the outskirts of Mastung, following the failure of three rounds of negotiations between BNP-M leaders and the provincial government. The party has made it clear that it will not end the protest until Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders are released