BNP sit-in enters third day

QUETTA: The sit-in protest by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) at Lakpas entered its third consecutive day, with participants still denied entry into Quetta.

Led by Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal and other party leaders, the demonstration has attracted a significant number of party workers, effectively blocking the area for movement. As a result, residents of 12 districts are facing severe travel difficulties, especially with Eidul Fitr approaching.

The affected districts include Mastung, Kalat, Surab, Khuzdar, Hub, Lasbela, Nushki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Nokundi, Washuk, and other areas. With the BNP protest blocking key access points, hundreds of citizens have been left stranded, unable to return to their hometowns for Eid.

The provincial administration has reinforced security by placing shipping containers and barricades at Lakpas Tunnel, Kund Mesori, Aghbarg, and other key entry routes to prevent the march from progressing towards Quetta. This blockade has not only disrupted travel but also posed serious challenges for patients in need of medical care, as ambulances struggle to navigate through restricted areas.

In a significant political development, a delegation from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIF) Balochistan, led by Senator Maulana Abdul Waseh, visited the BNP sit-in camp to express solidarity and discuss the ongoing situation. The delegation included Senator Kamran Murtaza Advocate, MPA Nawabzada Mir Zafarullah Zehri and Mir Usman Parkani.

During their visit, the JUIF representatives engaged with BNP leaders and shared their perspectives on the protest and the government’s response. Their presence highlighted the growing political discourse surrounding the BNP movement and the broader concerns over political freedom and public grievances in the province.