BNP-M Sit-In Continues for Seventh Day Amid Deadlock with Government
The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) sit-in in Mastung entered its seventh day on Thursday as party chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal reiterated three key demands while protesting the recent arrests of rights activists. The sit-in remains ongoing as negotiations with the government have yet to yield results.
Background of the Protest
The BNP-M launched a long march from Wadh to Quetta last Friday in response to the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. Although Sammi was released on Tuesday, the protest continues.
Mengal had earlier stated that fresh demonstrations would be announced on Thursday following an unsuccessful dialogue with a government delegation. The sit-in, currently at Lakpass, has drawn BNP-M leaders, political and tribal figures, and families of missing persons. The PTI and its ally, the Sunni Ittehad Council, have also expressed solidarity with BNP-M.
Mengal’s Demands and Government Response
Addressing the sit-in, Mengal warned the government against using force, holding it responsible for any consequences. He outlined three demands:
- The release of all detained BYC activists, including women.
- Permission to continue the march to Quetta and hold a peaceful sit-in there.
- The option to be arrested instead.
These demands were presented to a provincial government delegation, including Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Ubaidullah Gorgage, Additional Home Chief Secretary Zahid Saleem, and the Kalat Commissioner. Mengal emphasized that these were the only demands and that the government had been informed from the outset.
Despite two rounds of negotiations, no resolution has been reached. The government delegation requested additional time for consultations, but the deadlock remains.
Road Closures and Public Impact
BNP-M central leader and former senator highlighted the widespread road closures caused by government actions. While the BNP-M sit-in occupies only one side of the Mastung National Highway, authorities have shut down all major and minor highways leading to Quetta, including the Lakpass Tunnel, Mastung, and Kolpur.
Criticizing the administration, he noted that these measures have caused significant public inconvenience. Instead of deterring participation, the crackdown has led to an increase in protestors demanding the recovery of missing persons.
Furthermore, mobile networks and internet services have been suspended in parts of Quetta, exacerbating difficulties for residents. Quetta’s land connection with 12 other Balochistan districts has been severed for the past seven days due to ditches dug by authorities on key highways, including the Quetta-Karachi National Highway.
The BNP-M’s sit-in underscores ongoing tensions between the Baloch nationalist movement and the government over enforced disappearances and political repression. While the protest remains peaceful, the deadlock in negotiations raises concerns about potential escalations. The extensive road closures and communication blackouts further highlight the administration’s hardline approach, which may fuel greater unrest rather than resolving grievances.
