The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) sit-in at Lakpass stretched into Sunday, with leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal vowing to press on until his long march reaches Quetta despite a looming arrest threat from the provincial government.
Mengal rallied supporters to block highways province-wide and stage sit-ins wherever halted as security forces encircled the camp. “We’re surrounded, but our protest stands firm,” he said, urging defiance after failed talks with authorities.
Will they arrest all of us? pic.twitter.com/zypdYgjg2M
— Akhtar Mengal (@sakhtarmengal) April 6, 2025The standoff escalated in Quetta’s Sona Kahn area, where supporters of the BNP-M clashed with police, resulting in over two dozen arrests. Protesters burned tires and blocked roads, including Sariab and bypasses, while throwing stones at police officers armed with batons and firing tear gas. Major intersections, such as Mughal Chowk and Faizabad, came to a standstill, leaving commuters stranded.
بلوچ لانگ مارچ پر کریک ڈاؤن بدترین ریاستی دہشتگردی ہے
بلوچستان بھر میں شاہراہوں کی بندش اور شٹرڈاؤن ہڑتال کے فیصلے کی مکمل حمایت کرتے ہیں۔
بلوچ یکجہتی کمیٹی
بلوچ یکجہتی کمیٹی (BYC) بلوچستان نیشنل پارٹی (بی این پی) کی جانب سے بلوچستان بھر میں شاہراہوں کی بندش اور شٹرڈاؤن ہڑتال… pic.twitter.com/n05xMo8vtO
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) April 6, 2025Shahid Rind, Balochistan’s spokesman, warned Mengal risks arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order law if he advances. “He’s been told chaos won’t be tolerated,” Rind posted online as clashes raged into the evening.
Read: BNP-M Sit-In Hits Day 10: Mengal Warns of Major Operation in Quetta March
Following the unrest in Quetta, protests erupted in Kalat, Hub, and Khuzdar. Sajid Tareen of the BNP-M announced a shutter-down strike on Monday, supported by local traders. “This regime stifles democracy,” Tareen stated, surrounded by allies from various parties, condemning roadblocks and the use of force. They argue that federal discussions with figures like Sadiq Sanjrani have failed to address their concerns. As highways become congested and tensions rise, Mengal’s march is testing the limits of Balochistan.
