BNP holds protests, demands Mahrang’s release

QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party (BNP) held protests in different areas of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, against the arrest of central leaders of the Baloch Yakjethi Committee (BYC) and the crackdown on their protests.

On Wednesday, in front of the Quetta Press Club, protesters held banners and placards and raised slogans against the BYC leaders and activists arrests.

The protesters dispersed peacefully after chanting slogans in support of their demands. It should be noted that the Balochistan National Party (BNP) has initiated a protest movement, with a long march planned from Wadh to Quetta on March 28.

Following the call from the central leadership of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), a protest rally was held in Panjgur. A large number of BNP workers and others participated in the rally. The protesters held BNP flags and placards, raising slogans for the immediate release of BYC leaders.

The protest rally began at the BNP office and marched through the streets and the bazaar. It culminated in a protest at Bismillah Chowk. Later, the protesterrs dispersed peacefully.

A protest rally was also held in Nushki. The rally began at the BNP Nushki District Secretariat, passed through various roads of the city, and eventually culminated in a protest demonstration in front of the Nushki Press Club.

The speakers emphasised that the movement, initiated under the leadership of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, is not for political gains but to protect the rights and identity of the Baloch people.

A rally led by the BYC Jhalawan Region and the Balochistan National Party (BNP) was held in Surab. The rally started from the Sorab Cricket Ground, passed through various roads and the bazaar, and eventually turned into a gathering at Shaheed Balach Chowk.

A large number of children, elderly people, and women from Sorab and surrounding areas participated in the rally. During the event, the speakers condemned the arrests of Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, Bebow Baloch, and other leaders without charges.

The protesters declared that they were holding a peaceful protest and called on the government to immediately release the arrested individuals.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club the sisters of BYC’s central organiser, Mahrang Baloch, alleged she is facing mental torture, and feared that she might be harmed in jail.

Iqra Baloch, Nadia Baloch, and Advocate Imran Baloch said that between 115 and 125 individuals have been arrested and are being held in various police stations and jails. Despite receiving bail from the courts, they have not been released, and their families have been denied the right to meet them.

They said, “Mahrang is not a criminal; she is a leading human rights advocate. She has imprisoned her based on false and politically motivated charges,” they said.

In response to a question, Advocate Imran Baloch said that they had filed a writ petition in court the previous day. The Advocate General has claimed that their arrests were made under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), and between 115 and 125 individuals have been detained in areas like Bijli Road, Cantt, Saryab, Civil Lines, and Quetta Jail. Officially, 48 people, including two women, have been confirmed as arrested, and cases have been registered.