BNP Protests Block Major Highways Over Pending FIRs

Quetta: Protests erupted in Balochistan as Balochistan National Party (BNP) activists blocked three key highways—Quetta-Karachi, Quetta-Taftan, and Quetta-Jacobabad and Gwadar Door chock—demanding the withdrawal of FIRs against their leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s son, Gorgain Mengal, and over 1,100 party members. –

BNP claims that the cases were politically motivated and should be dismissed as per earlier assurances from authorities. However, the government has yet to take final action on one remaining FIR.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s Protest at Wadh Police Station

Sardar Akhtar Mengal has been present at the Wadh police station for several days, offering voluntary arrest along with his supporters. His decision follows what BNP describes as an unfulfilled commitment by authorities to withdraw all FIRs.

The dispute began when four cases were registered in Wadh.  After traders initially blocked the Quetta-Karachi Highway over security concerns, the administration engaged in negotiations, agreeing to withdraw the cases in exchange for reopening the road. Three FIRs were later canceled, but the fourth remains unresolved, leading to renewed protests.

On Saturday at 3 PM, after the deadline for the FIR withdrawal passed, Sardar Akhtar Mengal and over 200 supporters returned to the police station, demanding action.

Authorities’ Response & Allegations in FIRs

According to Wadh police, the district administration has formally requested the Balochistan Home Department to withdraw the final FIR, but no decision has been made.

One of the cases alleges that police attempted to arrest three individuals linked to a prior incident but were met with resistance. The FIR claims that a crowd attacked officers, damaged their vehicle, and freed the detainees—reportedly on Gorgain Mengal’s orders.

However, local trader leader Mir Mujeebur Rehman Mengal told the press that the arrested individuals were private security guards, hired by merchants to protect the market from extortion and theft.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal has also defended the security measures, stating that police and local authorities failed to curb crime, forcing traders to take independent action. He argues that police, under pressure from criminals, moved against the security guards, triggering public unrest.

Ongoing Negotiations & Uncertain Resolution

As of now, BNP leaders and authorities remain in negotiations over the case withdrawals. The situation continues to develop, with BNP vowing to persist in its protests if their demands are not met.

Published in The Gwadar Post, 06 March 2025.