Quetta: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) claimed on Saturday that over 250 of its activists were arrested as security forces attempted to halt their march towards Quetta. The protest, organized against the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, was met with resistance from law enforcement near Mastung.
Despite the Quetta administration denying permission for the march, BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal led a convoy from Wadh on Friday morning, joined by supporters from various political parties. By late Friday night, BNP leaders accused authorities of deploying containers at Luck Pass near Mastung to block their progress.
In a post on X, the party alleged that security forces used tear gas against marchers, resulting in injuries and a temporary halt in their movement. Mengal, undeterred by the roadblocks, vowed to continue the march, urging locals in Mastung and Quetta to mobilize in support.
As tensions escalated, reports of a blast near the BNP-M rally surfaced around 1pm on Saturday. Officials stated that a suspected suicide bomber detonated near Luck Pass after being intercepted by Levies personnel. Mastung Assistant Commissioner Akram Harifal confirmed that no casualties other than the attacker were reported, and security was subsequently heightened.
Mengal accused security forces of firing at protesters and claimed senior party leaders were directly targeted. In response, the Quetta administration cited security concerns and a three-month ban on gatherings as justification for rejecting BNP-M’s request to hold the march.
Authorities warned that any violations of the ban would result in legal action against the organizers. The situation remains tense as BNP-M leaders consider their next course of action.
