Protest Ends in Lakpass, but Movement to Continue Across Balochistan
Akhtar Mengal Ends Mastung Sit-in, Announces Province-wide Protest Movement
Date: April 16, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi, Chief Reporter Islamabad
Watts News, The Largest Digital News Network Pakistan
Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, the chief of Balochistan National Party (BNP), has officially ended the 20-day long sit-in protest at Lakpass, Mastung. However, he made it clear that the protest movement is far from over and will now continue across the province.
Addressing a press conference in Mastung, Mengal said the March 28 incident had deeply impacted the people of Balochistan. “The government blocked the Lakpass route from both ends, restricted people's movement, and created obstacles in our peaceful protest,” he stated.
He questioned the legitimacy of the current government, asking, “Is this a people’s government if all democratic paths are forcibly closed?”
Mengal revealed that despite several delegations visiting the sit-in, no meaningful progress was made. “We called an All Parties Conference (APC) and gave recommendations, but no one acted,” he said.
He strongly condemned the extrajudicial arrests of women and announced a long march as the next step in their protest. “Our struggle is for justice, and it will not stop here,” he affirmed.
Mengal thanked the elders and people who stood by the BNP throughout the 20-day protest despite harsh weather and difficult conditions. “Their support never wavered,” he added.
He accused the intelligence agencies of manipulating governments and said they never wanted Balochistan’s issues to be resolved. “Our youth are being torn apart, and the state is looting our resources like a witch devouring everything,” he said.
He concluded with a warning: “If the government does not allow peaceful protest, the movement will adopt other forms.” He also announced that protest rallies will now be held in different cities of Balochistan.
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