Akhtar Mengal Ends Mastung Sit-In, Says Protests Will Go On

LAHORE (RNN TV) — Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal announced the end of the 20-day sit-in at Lakpass during a press conference in Mastung. Although the protest camp has been wrapped up, he made it clear that the protest movement will continue throughout Balochistan.

Calling the Lakpass incident a painful moment for all of Balochistan, Mengal strongly criticized the government for blocking roads and using force to stop the protest. “On March 28, the authorities sealed the Lakpass route from both sides and restricted people’s movement. Every institution put up barriers against us,” he said.

Mengal questioned the government’s commitment to democracy, asking, “Is this really a government of the people when it shuts down all roads to stop peaceful protest?”

He said that many delegations had visited the sit-in and admitted they couldn’t do much to help. “We held an All Parties Conference (APC) and gave our suggestions, but no serious action was taken,” he added.

Mengal also condemned the arrest of women during the protests, calling them unlawful. In response, he announced a long march as the next step in their movement. “This struggle will not end here. We are fighting for justice,” he declared.

He thanked the elders, party workers, and supporters who stood by the BNP throughout the long sit-in, even in difficult conditions. “Despite the risks and isolation, people showed strong support,” he said.

Speaking about the political situation in the country, Mengal accused powerful institutions of forming governments without truly caring for Balochistan. “Those who create governments with just 47 seats have no interest in solving Balochistan’s problems. Our youth are suffering, and nothing good can come from this system,” he said.

He also accused the state of looting Balochistan’s resources, comparing it to a “witch devouring everything.”

Mengal warned that if peaceful protests continue to be blocked, the movement will take a new form. “We’ve always protested peacefully. But if we’re not allowed to do even that, we’ll find another way,” he said.

He concluded by announcing that protest rallies will now be held in different parts of Balochistan in the days to come.