BNP Protests Against Pakistani Government Despite Warnings
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 6, 2023, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Pakistan continues its protest for the tenth day, defying government warnings to restrict their demonstration to Shahwani Stadium. The party calls for the release of detained leaders and highlights enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Key Takeaways
- BNP protests for 10 days against enforced disappearances.
- Government issues warnings against breaching red zone.
- Discussions with the government have failed.
- Leader Akhtar Mengal calls for highway shutdowns.
- Protest remains until demands are met.
Quetta, April 6 (NationPress) Pakistan's Balochistan National Party (BNP) continues its demonstration on Sunday for the 10th consecutive day, defying warnings from the Baloch government that demanded the protest be restricted to Quetta's Shahwani Stadium.
The government has threatened to take strict legal action against any violations of the law if the party attempts to enter the provincial capital's red zone, according to local media.
The protest, led by BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal, plans to advance to Quetta from the Lakpass area of Mastung on April 6, as the deadline for their demands, including the release of Mahrang Baloch, expired at midnight on Saturday.
The BNP has been rallying against the enforced disappearances of political activists in Balochistan and the illegal detention of leaders from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including Mahrang Baloch, for the past 10 days, reported The Express Tribune.
At a press conference on Saturday in Quetta, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that the provincial government had proposed a dialogue, allowing the BNP-M to gather at Shawani Stadium on Sariab Road.
However, the party rejected this offer, insisting on holding the protest in the red zone, leading the government to warn of strict measures if this area was breached.
In the meantime, the BNP-M accused the government of employing aggressive tactics, stating that security forces have cordoned off their leader, Mengal, and the attendees of the sit-in.
"We are currently at Lakpass, entirely surrounded by security forces. A significant operation against us is imminent. I urge all districts to immediately shut down national highways in protest. Let the world witness this injustice," Mengal posted on X.
"We remain peaceful but determined. Whatever happens today -- the consequences, the bloodshed, the fallout -- will rest solely on the government and local administration," he added.
The sit-in protest of BNP-M persists in the Lakpass area on the outskirts of Mastung, as three rounds of discussions between the BNP-M leadership and the provincial government have ended without success.
The party has refused to end the protest until the release of Mahrang Baloch and other leaders from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
