A growing political standoff in Balochistan has taken a sharp turn, as the provincial government warned BNP-M protest leader Akhtar Mengal of arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) if his party’s long march enters Quetta. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) is protesting the arrest of Baloch activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, whose detentions sparked outrage across the province.
Long March and Sit-In Reach Tense Standstill
The BNP-M launched its march on March 28 from Wadh, demanding justice and the release of activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). After days on the road, the party reached Lakpass in Mastung, where they have staged a sit-in that entered its 10th day on Sunday.
As the BNP-M prepared to push into Quetta, government officials drew a red line. Balochistan spokesperson Shahid Rind declared that Mengal would be arrested if he attempted to enter the city. He confirmed that security forces had orders since 6 a.m. to detain him under the MPO, citing threats to public order.
Security Clampdown and Roadblocks
Law enforcement sealed off roads leading to Quetta with containers and increased their presence around Lakpass. The government also suspended internet services in Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, and Khuzdar to prevent the spread of protest-related information. BNP-M shared videos showing alleged shelling on supporters gathered at Sona Khan Chowk.
Mengal stated on social media that his group was “completely encircled” by security forces and that a “major operation” appeared imminent. He urged citizens to block highways in protest, warning that any violence would be the responsibility of the authorities.
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Protesters Defiant, Strike Announced
Despite the crackdown, BNP-M remains determined. Mengal said the party would not surrender and declared, “We will make the entire Balochistan the centre of resistance.” BNP-M also announced a province-wide strike and roadblocks starting Monday, calling it a response to what they call “government brutalities.”
BNP-M’s Sajid Tareen reiterated this during a press conference alongside leaders of the Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP). Tareen criticized the deployment of police and security forces, claiming it was meant to incite violence. He also said he expects to be arrested.
In Quetta, BNP-M supporters began blocking roads by burning tyres. Key routes like Sariab Road and Kechi Baig Road were affected.
Government Insists on Limits
The government has denied permission for the BNP-M to enter Quetta’s Red Zone, which includes sensitive buildings like the provincial assembly and high court. They offered the party an alternative protest site at Shahwani Stadium, but BNP-M refused, demanding a sit-in in the city center.
Rind accused the BNP of crafting political drama similar to past opposition groups. He dismissed Mengal’s complaints and warned again of consequences if protesters tried to breach Red Zone restrictions.
Growing Voices of Concern
Veteran politician Afrasiab Khattak questioned the government’s actions, accusing them of turning Balochistan into “an open prison.” Human rights advocates and opposition leaders echoed concerns about rising state repression and the criminalization of peaceful protest.
Despite threats, the BNP-M vows to continue its resistance, positioning its movement as a peaceful but firm challenge to what it calls authoritarian tactics by the provincial government.
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