Pakistan's provincial govt warns Balochistan protesters of staying clear of Quetta Red Zone

A protest march demanding the release of activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch has brought tensions to a boil in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, with the provincial government warning demonstrators to stay away from the Red Zone in the capital, Quetta.

The Balochistan government says it will allow the protesters to gather at Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road tomorrow, but has threatened stern action if they attempt to enter the high-security Red Zone, which houses key government buildings, including the Chief Minister’s residence, the provincial assembly, and the High Court.

The protest, led by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), began last week in the town of Wadh and has now reached Lakpass—around 30 kilometers from Quetta. The group has vowed to continue the march on April 6, despite roadblocks, ditches dug into highways, and heavy police presence cutting off Quetta from at least 12 districts for the past nine days.

Information Minister Shahid Rind told reporters on Saturday that the government had engaged in two rounds of talks with BNP-M leaders. The party’s primary demands include the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch - the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) arrested on March 22 - and permission to complete their long march to Quetta.

In his latest talk to journalists in Lak-Pass, the BNP Chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal has revealed that the Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq contacted him and assured him that he would convey his demands to the Prime Minister.

Rind said the government had no objection to her release if the courts approved it, and claimed that the protesters were offered an alternative venue outside the Red Zone. However, he warned that with Section 144 (banning public gatherings) in effect, any violation would be dealt with according to law.

He also accused central BYC leader Sabiha Baloch of making “anti-state” speeches at the BNP-M sit-in, saying legal action could be taken.

'Only securing basic democratic rights'

BNP-M leader Akhtar Langau, speaking to Nukta, said the protest was peaceful and aimed at securing basic democratic rights. “The right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, but the government is acting like martial law is in place. We've already faced two suicide attacks during this march,” he said.

He criticized the government for backtracking on its promises. “They agreed to let us reach Hathi Chowk, and now they say we can’t even enter Quetta.”

He added that the government has the authority to release Dr. Mahrang, just as the Sindh government recently freed another activist, Sammi Din Baloch.

Senior BNP member Sana Baloch, confirmed while talking to Nukta that they are ready to march toward Quetta tomorrow at 10 am.

"It has been 10 days that we are sitting here and demanding the release of Dr. Mahrang and other BYC members but the government is not taking our demands seriously," Baloch said.

He expressed concern that any attempt by the government to disperse our peaceful protest would create a law and order situation that would be in the government's hands.

"We have gained support from all the nationalist and political parties," He said and added, "Government should wake up now and hear the voices demanding the release of detained women rights activists."

With roads blocked and the protest sit-in ongoing at the Mastung National Highway, the standoff continues to paralyze parts of Balochistan, with no resolution yet in sight.

Govt denies meetings with Dr Mahrang

The government spokesperson denied meeting with Dr. Mahrang in jail, saying "Our stance is crystal clear in this regard and no government delegation has met her in jail".

However, her sister, Advocate Nadia Baloch, disputed this. “I visited her yesterday. She told me a delegation led by the Deputy Commissioner had come to speak with her about possible terms. She had even earlier been offered house arrest, which she refused,” Nadia said.

Quetta Deputy Commissioner Lt. Saad Asad also told Nukta he had not met the BYC leader in jail.

With additional information from Saadullah Niazi.