A suicide bomber targeted a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) rally near Mastung’s Lak Pass, police reported on Saturday. The attacker detonated the explosives when a volunteer stopped him for a search near the protest site. Authorities are assessing the damage while security forces remain on high alert.
Attack Amid Rising Violence
The incident adds to the growing violence in Balochistan, which has seen a series of terrorist attacks in recent weeks. Just days ago, militants killed at least eight people, including four labourers and four police officers, in Kalat and Noshki districts.
In another brutal attack, gunmen intercepted a Karachi-bound bus in Gwadar, removed five passengers, and executed them. Additionally, a bomb blast targeting a paramilitary convoy on the Nushki-Dalbandin highway claimed five lives and injured 35 others.
Security forces have also been battling militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), who recently blew up a railway track and attacked the Jaffar Express. Over 440 passengers were taken hostage, sparking a major rescue operation that ended with 33 militants neutralized and 26 people killed, including security personnel, railway officials, and civilians.
BNP-M Sit-in Continues
The BNP-M rally, led by Akhtar Mengal, is part of an ongoing protest against the crackdown on Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) activists. Mengal and his supporters were marching toward Quetta when authorities halted their movement.
Following the attack, the BNP-M announced that their sit-in at Lak Pass will continue until their demands are met. Mengal is expected to outline the party’s next steps at a press conference.
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Government Responds
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that Mengal and other party leaders remained unharmed in the attack. He revealed that the government had been in contact with BNP-M leadership since the previous night to ensure their safety.
Officials urged the party to maintain peaceful demonstrations, warning that hostile elements might exploit the situation. A government delegation is set to meet Mengal today to discuss possible resolutions.
Counter-Terrorism Measures
Amid escalating violence, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting. Authorities decided to raise concerns about cross-border terrorism with the Afghan government through diplomatic channels.
Naqvi assured that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive all necessary support to combat terrorism. He also announced the reorganization of the Frontier Constabulary into the National Reserve Police to enhance security.
Additionally, the government approved the establishment of National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts across provinces.
Escalating Crisis in Balochistan
Balochistan continues to face security challenges and political unrest. The recent arrest of BYC leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has fueled tensions. She is currently detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, facing charges of terrorism, incitement to violence, and rebellion.
With the BNP-M protests ongoing and terror attacks on the rise, the situation remains volatile. Authorities are under pressure to restore order while ensuring the safety of political demonstrators and civilians.
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