BNP-M protest continues as talks with government fail
BNP-M protest continues as talks with government fail - file foto
• Akhtar Mengal demands release of BYC leaders before ending BNP-M protest sit-in
• Quetta remains blocked as authorities reinforce container barriers
QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has refused to end its Lakpass sit-in after failed negotiations with the government on Sunday. Party chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal stated the protest will continue until all detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, are released and demonstrators are allowed peaceful entry into Quetta.
A government delegation, led by Provincial Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, urged BNP-M leaders to disperse, citing security risks and travel disruptions for residents of Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Mengal remained firm, declaring: “Our demand is clear—release Dr. Mahrang and the other detained women.”
Key Developments:
✔ Quetta Blocked for 3rd Day: Authorities have sealed major entry points, including Lakpass Tunnel, Kund Mesori, and Aghbarg, with shipping containers.
✔ Travel Chaos Ahead of Eid: Residents from 12 districts (Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, etc.) face severe disruptions, stranding hundreds.
✔ JUI-F Shows Solidarity: A Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) delegation, led by Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey, visited the protest camp to express support.
With no resolution in sight, the standoff has left Quetta virtually cut off, worsening hardships for travelers and patients needing medical care.
Anti-Terrorism operations to expanded- Sarfraz Bugti
The Balochistan government has decided to expand counter-terrorism operations and enhance the capacity of civil-armed forces to combat militants. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, where concrete measures for peace restoration were ordered.
Key Meeting Highlights:
✔ Security Review: The meeting assessed the overall law and order situation, including Eid security plans, national highways, and ongoing counter-terror efforts.
✔ Commendation for Forces: The successful security operation in Kalat was praised, with directives to strengthen anti-terror strategies.
✔ Strict Measures: CM Bugti ordered officials to implement effective actions for lasting peace in the province.
