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BNP-M Warned Against Entering Red Zone Amid Protest March to Quetta
Balochistan govt warns BNP-M: march allowed till Shahwani Stadium, not Red Zone. Quetta remains cut off as BNP protests arrests of Baloch activists.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-05
BNP-M Warned Against Entering Red Zone Amid Protest March to Quetta

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind on Saturday issued a stern warning to the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), stating that the party’s long march would be permitted only up to Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road — not the city’s sensitive Red Zone.

The warning comes as BNP-M continues its protest against the recent arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. While Sammi was released earlier this week, other key members remain in custody. The BNP-M protest sit-in has now entered its ninth day.

Party chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, while leading the protest in Mastung, laid down three demands: the release of all BYC prisoners including women, permission to hold a peaceful sit-in in Quetta, or arrest of BNP-M leaders. “We will not back down until these demands are met,” he declared.

However, in a press conference held in Quetta, government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated: “The provincial government engaged in dialogue and offered Shahwani Stadium as a protest site. But BNP-M insists on entering the Red Zone, which will not be allowed.”

He reiterated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, it must take place within parameters defined by the district administration. “Section 144 is in effect. Any attempt to violate it will lead to legal consequences,” Rind cautioned.

Responding to a question, Rind added that the government will not permit anyone to hold the Red Zone or government functionaries "hostage." He also accused BNP-M of allowing anti-state rhetoric through its platform, warning that legal action had already been initiated.

Despite the tension, Rind confirmed that two rounds of negotiations had taken place between the government and BNP-M. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has also reached out to key political figures, including Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, JUI-F, and the Balochistan Awami Party to develop a political consensus.

Rind acknowledged Mengal’s criticism that the negotiation committee initially lacked authority, saying, “They were then granted authority. BNP had three demands, and the government’s stance was clear — if the courts provide relief, we will not object.”

However, Mengal stated on Thursday that the government delegation had requested more time for consultations, and the BNP would wait until the deadline expired. "If all prisoners, including women, are not released, we will march towards Quetta," Mengal warned.

In parallel, BNP-M leader and former senator Sanaullah Baloch accused the provincial administration of cutting Quetta off from the rest of Balochistan. “All national highways have been closed due to government incompetence,” he said, noting that the administration had dug ditches to block routes such as Lakpass Tunnel, Mastung, and Kolpur.

For the past nine days, Quetta’s land connectivity with at least 12 other districts has been severed, including key routes like the Quetta-Karachi National Highway.

With rising tensions and an imminent showdown in Quetta, political observers warn that unless dialogue is resumed in earnest, the city may witness further unrest in the coming days.

 
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