QUETTA: Negotiations between the government delegation and Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), failed on Sunday, as Mengal refused to end the sit-in at Lakpas until all demands were met.
According to reports, Akhtar Mengal emphasized that the protest would continue until Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other detained female leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were released and protesters were allowed to enter Quetta peacefully.
A government delegation led by Provincial Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi held meetings with BNP-M leaders, including Agha Musa Jan, Sajid Tareen Advocate, Mir Akhtar Hussain Langau, Sana Baloch, and Mir Hammal Kalmati. The delegation cited security concerns and travel disruptions for residents of Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reasons to end the sit-in.
However, Mengal reiterated that their primary demand remained the release of Dr. Mahrang and other detained women.
The BNP-M protest at Lakpas entered its third day on Sunday, with hundreds of participants blocking key routes as local authorities have refused to allow the marchers entry into Quetta.
As a result of the protest, residents from 12 districts, including Mastung, Kalat, Surab, Khuzdar, Hub, Lasbela, Nushki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Nokundi, and Washuk, are facing travel difficulties ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
To prevent the BNP-M’s long march from entering Quetta, the provincial administration has heightened security, erecting shipping containers and barricades at key entry points, including Lakpas Tunnel, Kund Masuri, and Aghabarg.
The blockade has stranded hundreds of travelers, preventing many from returning home for the holidays. Limited access has also created challenges for patients needing medical assistance.
A delegation from Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan, led by Provincial President Asghar Achakzai, visited the BNP-M protest camp to express solidarity and discuss the ongoing situation. The ANP delegation condemn the attacks on BNP-M march and expressed support for the march.
Despite repeated calls for dialogue, the Balochistan government has continued to block BNP-M’s long march for the third consecutive day. This has cut off Quetta’s connection with multiple districts, affecting thousands of travelers, particularly those heading home for Eid celebrations.
On Sunday, authorities further tightened restrictions by placing additional containers at Kund Masuri and Aghabarg, effectively severing Quetta’s major entry and exit routes. This move has significantly increased difficulties for the public.
