Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, flanked by leaders of other political parties, addressed a press conference at Quetta Press Club where he laid out serious concerns over the Pakistani state’s handling of protests, legislation, and political “repression” in Balochistan.
Mengal said the BNP’s central cabinet held a detailed meeting to review the obstacles that were put up by the government authorities against their planned long march. He said the meeting also focused on the controversial Mines and Minerals Act in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and discussed the issue of the six canals in Sindh.
He condemned the continued illegal detention of political prisoners, noting that under they had been taken in the guise of the Maintenance of the Public Order Act (3MPO). Mengal stated that he and his party members and the general population of Balochistan had staged a 20-day sit-in for the release of Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) members including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Sibghatullah Shahji. Mengal added that despite a plea filed by Mahrang’s sister, a decision was first reserved for 14 days, then inexplicably left undecided, pushing the matter back to the Home Department.
Mengal criticized the judiciary, stating that the Balochistan High Court has issued two contradictory verdicts in cases of the same nature. He said that more than 70 of BNP’s workers have also been detained under 3MPO. “When courts fail to provide relief, people are left with no choice but to resist,” Mengal warned, asserting that these moves are aimed at looting Balochistan’s resources and “occupying” its coastline.
He strongly opposed the way the Mines and Minerals Act was passed in Balochistan through “Form 47,” a reference to electoral manipulation. He pointed out that the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) agreement, active since 2015, had not been extended by three successive governments. However, the caretaker government sent it to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), and now the current government has signed it – going directly against the spirit of the 18th Amendment.
Mengal condemned this reversal, saying, “The very party [PPP] that once authored the 18th Amendment is now opposing it.” He announced that given the situation, BNP and allied groups have decided to intensify their protests.
He laid out a series of protest events: a rally in Khuzdar on April 23, followed by a gathering in Quetta on May 2, and additional demonstrations planned in Gwadar, Nushki, and Hub Chowki. Mengal also announced that legal and constitutional petitions will be filed against both the Mines and Minerals Act and the PPL agreement. After the consultations with legal teams are complete, the BNP plans to approach the Balochistan High Court soon, he said.
Mengal said all political parties involved in passing the Mines and Minerals Act in the Balochistan Assembly must be held accountable. He dared authorities, “If anyone is eager to make arrests, they should come to Quetta and do so openly.”
Referring to his past political stance, Mengal clarified that his party did not vote for Quddus Bizenjo’s appointment as Chief Minister of Balochistan. He also mentioned that during Bizenjo’s tenure, BNP supported a no-confidence motion against Jam Kamal. Mengal reaffirmed that BNP is committed to constitutional rights and will continue its legal struggle regardless of court rulings.