The BNP-Mastung protest that paralyzed key trade routes for nearly three weeks has come to an end. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) announced on Wednesday that it is calling off its 20-day sit-in at Lak Pass, Mastung. The decision comes after growing concerns over public inconvenience and major disruptions to trade routes.
Shift in Strategy
BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal addressed party workers and supporters, stating that while the sit-in is ending, the struggle is far from over. The party will now launch a province-wide campaign, holding peaceful rallies in multiple districts to keep pressure on the authorities. Mengal emphasized the importance of continued public engagement through non-violent means.
He announced that the BNP-M’s central committee will meet in Quetta on April 18 to finalize the next phase of their protest movement. The shift from sit-in to scattered rallies aims to maintain momentum while minimizing the impact on civilians.
Arrests Sparked Unrest
The protest originally began after the arrest of Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and 16 others during a demonstration camp in Quetta. The incident sparked outrage across the region, with BNP-M and other civil society groups demanding their release and an end to what they called state repression.
Tensions escalated further when BNP-M accused law enforcement agencies of beating three of their supporters to death. Although some activists, including BYC member Sammi Deen Baloch, were later released after being detained in Karachi, public anger continued to rise.
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Trade Disruptions and Economic Fallout
The sit-in had significant economic consequences. By blocking the Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-Taftan highways, the protest left over 1,200 cargo vehicles, including LPG tankers, stranded—some for days—at the Pak-Iran border.
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) reported millions in daily losses. Businesses across the region struggled to cope with supply chain disruptions, prompting calls from traders and transporters for a swift resolution.
Mengal acknowledged the hardship caused, saying the decision to end the protest was made to avoid further disruption to daily life and commercial activities.
Call for Constitutional Rights
Earlier this week, BNP-M convened an All Parties Conference in Quetta. The conference resulted in the passage of nine resolutions, including a demand for the enforcement of constitutional rights promised in Balochistan’s 1948 Instrument of Accession.
The party also called for a national dialogue to address the long-standing grievances of the Baloch people, urging all political forces to support the cause of constitutional justice and regional autonomy.
Despite ending the sit-in, Mengal reaffirmed his party’s commitment to peaceful resistance and urged the public to continue participating in upcoming district-level rallies. He made it clear that the BNP-M’s fight for Baloch rights is ongoing and will now enter a new, broader phase.
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