QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has called off its 20-day-long sit-in at Lak Pass, Mastung, and announced a new phase of its protest campaign in response to the arrest of Baloch rights activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, party leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal said the decision to end the sit-in was taken out of concern for the public hardship caused by prolonged road closures. He said the party will now hold district-level protest rallies across the province to continue pressing its demands.
Background: Crackdown on Activists Sparks Unrest
The BNP-M launched the sit-in in protest against the arrests of Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent figure leading the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and other female activists.
The crackdown began after Sindh police arrested Sammi Deen Baloch, another key BYC member, during demonstrations in Karachi. Dr Mahrang and 16 other activists were earlier taken into custody from their protest camp in Quetta, a day after BYC accused police of beating three protesters to death during an anti-riot operation.
Although Sammi Deen Baloch was later released, the BNP-M protest continued, severely affecting transportation and trade in the region.
Economic Fallout of Road Blockades
The sit-in led to the closure of key highways, including routes connecting Quetta to Karachi and Taftan, which resulted in:
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Severe disruptions in the supply chain of essential goods
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Over 1,200 trucks and tankers stuck at the Pak-Iran border, including 847 carrying LPG and petroleum products
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Daily financial losses running into millions, according to Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) President Muhammad Ayub Maryani
APC Resolutions & Future Strategy
Earlier this week, an All Parties Conference (APC) hosted by the BNP passed nine resolutions, including:
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A call for the implementation of constitutional protections under the 1948 Instrument of Accession
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A demand for a national-level dialogue to address Balochistan’s political and human rights issues
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Urging an end to the suppression of peaceful dissent
BNP-M leaders say their shift to mass rallies marks a broader mobilisation strategy aimed at both raising national awareness and keeping the pressure on authorities without further paralyzing public life.
