Quetta: Balochistan’s provincial government has announced that if it tries to enter Quetta as part of his party’s ongoing protest, it will arrest BNP chief Akhtar Mengal. Mengal plans to reach the provincial capital on April 6 to protest the detention of political workers’ alleged disappearances and the detention of Baloch Solidarity Committee (BEC) leaders, including Dr. Mehrang Baloch.
The government had discussed two rounds with the BNP leadership, and urged them to protest at the Shahwani Stadium instead of marching in the Red Zone of Quetta. However, the party refused to insist on continuing its march.
On Saturday, state spokesman Shahid Rind warned that any violation of Section 144 would take strict legal action. He added that the government would respond firmly to any unrest caused by the protests.
Security forces were deployed, and containers were placed alongside entry routes to prevent the BNP from entering Quetta. On Sunday, Rind warned on social media that Mengal would be arrested if he tried to enter the city, and citing orders issued under the Public Order (MPO).
The government also condemned the BNP’s call to stop the national highways, and described it as an attempt to disrupt everyday life.
Meanwhile, BNP leaders have reported that law enforcement agencies have fired shells at a gathering of party workers in Sona Khan Chowk, and Mengal has claimed that their supporters were surrounded by security forces in the Lock Pass. In response, the BNP announced further protests in Balochistan, and accused the government of starting a crackdown on its leaders and workers.
