BNP-Mengal to Hold Balochistan Conference After Eid, Observe ‘Black Days’

QUETTA: The (BNP-Mengal (Balochistan National Party M) has announced plans to hold a provincial-level ‘Balochistan Conference’ shortly after Eidul Fitr and observe three ‘black days’ to protest against the recent police crackdown and arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders.

BNP-M leaders, including Naseer Ahmed Shahwani, Agha Hassan Baloch, former governor Abdul Wali Kakar, Shafqat Langove, and Sana Baloch, made the announcement during a joint press conference on Sunday. The decision comes in response to the arrest of BYC leaders, including chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch, and the violent dispersal of their sit-in camp in Quetta. The camp was set up to protest against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other grievances.

The BNP-M leaders condemned the police crackdown, which reportedly resulted in casualties and the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters. They demanded the immediate release of detained individuals and the registration of an FIR against officers responsible for ordering the use of force.

The party highlighted the deteriorating situation in Balochistan, citing blocked roads, killings, human rights violations, and the exploitation of the province’s resources. They accused “illegitimate” assemblies and rulers of creating a “history of suffering” in Balochistan.

To address these challenges, the BNP-M plans to bring together political parties, student organisations, traders, landowners, religious scholars, journalists, and human rights activists at the upcoming Balochistan Conference. The goal is to formulate a collective response to the ongoing crisis.

The leaders also expressed concern over the recent discovery of unidentified bodies in Quetta’s graveyards, which has heightened fears among citizens and families of missing persons. They condemned the profiling of Baloch students, the inclusion of Baloch intellectuals and activists in the Fourth Schedule, and restrictions on their freedom of movement and expression.

In a related development, a BNP-M delegation met with National Party (NP) President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to discuss the situation. Both parties expressed serious concerns over the government’s use of force and agreed to develop a joint strategy to address Balochistan’s pressing issues.

The BNP-M’s announcement underscores the growing political unrest in Balochistan and the need for a unified approach to tackle the province’s challenges.