Quetta: Leaders of various political parties in Balochistan have strongly condemned the government's ban on sit-ins and demonstrations, labeling it an unconstitutional act and emphasizing that the right to hold rallies is a democratic entitlement of every citizen.
According to reports, Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s Balochistan National Party (Mengal) [BNP-M] is scheduled to begin its protest march from Mastung to Quetta on Sunday. In response, the government has initiated administrative measures to deal with the situation.
In a joint press conference, leaders of multiple political parties reminded the government that the Constitution grants citizens the right to organize rallies, marches, and protests to press their demands. However, they expressed regret over the government’s imposition of movement restrictions and use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Speakers at the press conference included BNP-M Senior Vice President Sajid Tareen Advocate, National Party Secretary General Mir Kabir Ahmad Muhammad Shahi, PTI Balochistan President Dawood Shah Kakar, ANP’s Rashid Khan Nasir, and Balochistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Raheeb Baloch.
They condemned the arrest of female activists, including BYC’s Chief Organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch, and demanded their immediate release, accusing the authorities of suppressing democratic rights. The leaders pledged to continue their peaceful struggle despite the restrictions.
Sajid Tareen stated that the issue of enforced disappearances and illegal detentions affects the entire province, not just one political party. He criticized the authorities for digging trenches on highways to block the march and asserted that Balochistan's issues cannot be resolved through force.
He urged the government to act with seriousness and release all detained women, emphasizing that this matter has become a question of honor for the people of Balochistan.
PTI's Dawood Shah Kakar accused the government of double standards and warned that continued injustice could lead to an uncontrollable situation. He demanded permission for Akhtar Mengal to enter Quetta and called for the release of all political detainees.
Raheeb Baloch declared that an undeclared martial law exists in Balochistan, with rampant human rights violations and lawlessness. While no shift has been seen in the positions of the government or BNP-M leadership regarding the arrests, efforts to find a solution continue.
Akhtar Mengal has called on his supporters to gather in the Lak Pass area of Mastung by April 5, to begin their long march toward Quetta the following day. BNP-M is demanding the release of all BYC leaders.
Leaders of the National Party, PTI, ANP, and other parties have announced their participation in the BNP-M’s protest march in solidarity.
Meanwhile, the government is taking steps to prevent marchers from entering Quetta by placing trailers at entry points and deploying additional security forces.
Despite this, political and tribal backchannels remain active in seeking a peaceful resolution. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has continued meetings with opposition leaders during the Eid holidays, including Dr. Malik Baloch of the National Party, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey of JUI-F, and others.
Last week, Bugti offered on the Balochistan Assembly floor to form a committee to resolve the issue, proposing that it could be chaired by Dr. Malik or Opposition Leader Younus Aziz Zehri.
A senior government official noted that both sides still have 24 hours to resolve the crisis, and the outcome of ongoing efforts remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly and that Chief Minister Bugti is losing control. He claimed that if the crisis continues, Bugti may lose both his chief ministership and political standing.
