BNP alleges crackdown in Quetta, denies any breakthrough in talks

QUETTA: Senior Vice President of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), Advocate Sajid Tareen, has alleged that the government launched a crackdown on BNP workers in Quetta, arresting around 70 young individuals, 13 of whom have been jailed under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

Speaking at a late-night press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Monday, Tareen said four people were seriously injured when security forces opened fire on protesters in Wadh.

He claimed that despite four contacts from the Speaker of the National Assembly with BNP President Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, no settlement has been reached. “We are unaware which our demands the chief minister claims to have accepted,” he added.

BNP leaders including Agha Hassan Baloch, Malik Naseer Shahwani, Ghulam Nabi Marri, Musa Baloch, and Chairman Wahid Baloch were present at the press conference.

Tareen stated that BNP’s peaceful protest was scheduled to reach Quetta on Sunday but was blocked by heavy deployment of forces at Lakpass. Following this, a crackdown ensued in Quetta with 70 youth arrested —two of whom, Saifullah and Usama, were injured.

He added that the detainees have not been informed of the charges against them or provided MPO orders, and legal action will be taken against this in court.

He accused the government of suppressing democratic voices instead of listening to them and reiterated that BNP will continue its protest until all demands are met.

He also thanked political parties, traders, and tribal elders for supporting their peaceful strike and demonstrations.

Referring to Wadh, he claimed that four individuals were critically injured due to direct firing by security forces. FIRs have reportedly been registered against BNP workers and leaders in Dera Murad Jamali, Sibi, Nushki, and Killa Saifullah.

Tareen alleged that the government had even issued arrest orders for Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal but wanted to ensure “no reaction” before executing them.

“When the public stands with us, how we can prevent their reaction,” he questioned. To a query, he confirmed that although NA Speaker contacted Mengal four times, talks yielded no results.

“At first, we were told to hold our rally in Shahwani Stadium, but when we insisted on a sit-in protest, they cited security threats and refused permission.”

He also expressed concerns over judicial independence, claiming that “after the 26th Amendment, people feel courts have been restrained.” He labeled the government’s negotiation efforts as mere delaying tactics, saying every meeting ends with empty promises and no follow-up.