ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, has urged Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal to end the ongoing protest sit-in and return to the negotiation table, stressing that the state must enforce its writ when necessary.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside former Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and other Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leaders, Magsi emphasized the importance of dialogue to address Balochistan’s issues. He stated, “The problems of Balochistan will not be solved through sit-ins. Politics will continue, but the state should not be perceived as weak.”
He acknowledged concerns over the province's situation and reiterated the government's willingness to engage in talks. "Akhtar Mengal should reconsider the sit-in and come to the negotiation table. These are our people, and we must think about the public’s welfare," Magsi said.
Magsi revealed that both he and Sanjrani have reached out to Mengal, urging him to reassess his decision. “Political situations change frequently; Mengal Sahib should review his stance,” he added.
The protest led by BNP-M entered its third week as the party continues to demand the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, chief organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and other detained female activists. The government had earlier denied permission for the long march originating from Wadh to enter Quetta.
Amidst a stalemate in talks with the government, a multi-party conference (MPC) was convened on Monday in Lakpass. The MPC rejected the National Security Council's recent “hardline” stance and demanded the immediate release of all detained female activists and political workers.
A resolution passed at the conference condemned the harassment and arrests of BNP and BYC leaders and workers during the sit-in and long march. It also denounced the killing of protester Inayatullah Lehri during a peaceful demonstration in Wadh, demanding legal action against those responsible.
The resolution further called for the release of all political prisoners across Pakistan, including Imran Khan, Ali Wazir, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and activists from the Canal Movement in Sindh.
Participants urged the federal government to end aggressive policies in Balochistan, including military operations, enforced disappearances, and arrests under public order laws.
Other demands included repealing the Mines and Minerals Act 2025, terminating the PPL agreement, granting Balochistan a 50% share in the Reko Diq project, dismantling exploitative check posts on national highways and border areas operated by federal forces like the FC and Coast Guards.
The MPC also called for nationwide dialogue to resolve Balochistan’s issues, implementation of constitutional protections related to the 1948 accession agreement, and compensation for losses incurred by farmers, traders, transporters, and business owners due to poor government policies.
The conference was addressed by several political leaders, including Akhtar Mengal, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, Asghar Khan Achakzai, Abdul Mateen Akhunzada, Mir Israrullah Zehri, and Nawab Muhammad Khan Shahwani.
