March 29, 2025
Staff Report
LAHORE
A long march led by Baloch Nationalist Party (BNP), President Sardar Akhtar Mengal has come to a halt at Lak Pass Tunnel near Mastung, late Friday night. The march faced a major obstacle after the administration allegedly used tear gas on the protesters, and blocked the roads with containers to prevent participants from proceeding towards Quetta.
On Saturday, Mengal in an interview with Voicepk, claimed that numerous party workers were arrested during the police action. He also revealed that his security guards foiled a suicide bombing attempt near the rally in the afternoon. He said that his Mengal’s security team stopped a suspicious individual from entering the gathering, who then opened fire and blew himself up in a ditch, causing a blast.
“At least one participant was injured by shrapnel, but fortunately, there were no other reports of injuries,” said Mengal. “However it is concerning that no officials from the district administration, police, or paramilitary arrived at Lak Pass to investigate the suspected suicide bombing. This attack was intended to intimidate participants into abandoning the march to Quetta. We will hold the provincial government and security forces responsible for any harm that may come to him or other participants.”
Speaking to media separately, BNP Senior Vice President Advocate Sajid Tareen also said that the suicide bomber had attempted to carry out the attack while leadership speeches were ongoing.
“The attacker tried to enter the main area where everyone was seated and the leadership was present,” said Tareen. “But Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal’s personal security intercepted him, leading to the detonation of the suicide bomb.”
Like Sardar Mengal Tareen also strongly criticized the provincial government, saying that its undemocratic behavior could have led to a major tragedy. Despite the roadblocks by the government, he reaffirmed their determination to reach Quetta and exercise their democratic rights.
“Police baton-charged our workers, used tear gas, and have arrested over 300 activists,” alleged Sajid Tareen.
The Quetta deputy commissioner had previously rejected the party’s application for permission to hold the march and warned of action against the organizers if the gathering proceeded. The long march, which began in Wadh, aimed to protest the arrests of BYC chief organizer Dr Mahrang Baloch, other leaders, and workers, as well as police crackdowns on a sit-in.
Earlier, the long march reached the Lak Pass Tunnel area in Mastung last night. Security forces and police blocked the tunnel and surrounding areas with containers. Hundreds of vehicles are part of the march, with thousands of BNP workers and Baloch Yekjehti Committee volunteers participating.
Claims of police shelling and arrests
Last night, at Lak Pass, Mengal alleged that police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse BNP workers. BNP Chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, in a social media message, stated that due to the arrest of peaceful activists and the roadblocks, they had to set up camp at Lak Pass. He was scheduled to address a press conference at noon today to inform the media about the situation.
Before the gathering and speeches of the long march participants, an unidentified person attempted to bypass Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal’s security and reach him. However, security guards intercepted the suspicious individual, who then detonated a suicide bomb. As a result, two security personnel sustained minor injuries, while no other casualties were reported except for the attacker.
Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal announced in a social media post that he and all participants were safe and that the sit-in and long march towards Quetta would continue. He affirmed their commitment to seeking justice for Baloch daughters and women through a peaceful long march to Quetta.
Mengal’s address to workers
Addressing the workers at Lak Pass, Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal announced that all roads leading to Quetta had been blocked, with containers placed at the Lak Pass Tunnel, their tires deflated to prevent movement. He emphasized that they would strive to overcome all obstacles and reach their destination. He declared that they would not celebrate Eid without securing the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, including Dr Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and others. He stressed that no matter how many barriers the government places, their resolve remains strong, and the people stand with them.
Currently, thousands of vehicles are stationed near the Lak Pass Tunnel, all participating in the long march toward Quetta.
Quetta admin denies permission for protest
Last night, the Quetta district administration denied BNP’s request to hold a sit-in at Quetta’s Hockey Ground. The administration justified its decision by citing the imposition of Section 144 in Quetta and national highways across Balochistan, warning that the situation could lead to law and order problems. Consequently, the authorities refused to grant permission for protests within Quetta.
Balochistan govt’s response
According to the Balochistan government spokesperson Shand Rind, issued a statement confirming a suspected suicide attack near Lak Pass in Mastung, close to the BNP sit-in. According to initial reports, there were no casualties, and all BNP leadership, including Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, remained safe.
The provincial government stated that it had been in contact with BNP leadership since last night. A BNP delegation had met with the administration last night, and another meeting between the government and BNP representatives, including Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, was scheduled for today.
The government assured that a full investigation into the incident was underway and that inquiry findings would be made public soon. It reiterated that the security of all sit-in participants, including Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal and other BNP leaders, was a government priority.
The Balochistan government appealed to the public and protestors to cooperate with authorities and seek solutions through dialogue to improve the situation.