The spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, stated that the authorities have designated Quetta’s Sariab Road as the allowed protest venue for the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and warned of legal action for violations of Section 144, which has been imposed in the provincial capital amidst ongoing protests.
Shahid Rind, speaking at a press conference on April 5, 2025, emphasized that the BNP-M’s demand to hold a rally in the Red Zone could not be accepted due to security and operational concerns. Instead, the government has proposed Sariab Road as an alternative.
The BNP-M initiated a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta last Friday to protest the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. The sit-in has continued for nine days, with Sammi being released earlier in the week.
During discussions between the government and BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal, three key demands were raised, including the immediate release of BYC leader Mahrang Baloch. However, the government insisted on holding the protest outside the Red Zone, asserting that political dialogue remains the preferred path to resolution.
Rind highlighted the sensitive nature of the ongoing protests, pointing out that the BNP-M’s platform has been used for what he described as anti-government and anti-state rhetoric following the Jaffer Express attack. He warned that while flexibility is critical for dialogue to succeed, continued insistence on non-negotiable demands leaves the government with further options to maintain order.
He assured that the Balochistan government remains committed to resolving the issue peacefully and reiterated Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s directions for maintaining a constructive political process, avoiding actions or responses that could derail it. However, the government reserves the right to act if necessary, as the situation is being closely monitored.
