• Akhtar Mengal, supporters remain unharmed
• Party seeks the launch of Mahrang Baloch
Quetta: Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other participants of the National Party of Baluchistan-Mengal (BNP-M) Sit-in survived a suicide attack near the Lakpass area of the Mastung district on Saturday.
The authorities said that the suicide bomber detonated the explosives tied to his body away from the sitting site after the security guards intercepted him, preventing him from reaching the stage where BNP-M leaders were present.
“Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the workers and supporters of the party remained unharmed in the attack,” police confirmed, adding that no victims were reported. However, Mengal said that at least four members of the party were injured in the explosion.
The sitting continued despite the attack. “Our protest will continue until the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other leaders and workers of Byc (Balochjehti) leaders and workers arrested last week after the police offensive against the seated in Byc in Quetta,” Mengal promised.
Directed by Mr. Mengal, the BNP-M had launched its long march from WADH on Friday morning. After covering about 300 kilometers, the march arrived at Lakpass late at night. However, Quetta’s administration blocked the protesters to cross the LakPass tunnel by placing trailers on the road and deploying heavy security contingents, preventing them from entering the city.
After the entrance was denied, the BNP-M supporters turned their march into a sitting at the intersection of the Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-taftan roads near Lakpass.
According to the sources, security personnel saw an suspicious individual who was heading towards the sitting camp.
The security guards of Mr. Mengal intercepted him and moved him away from the protest site, where he exploded.
Levies officials declared that the staff deployed on the scene had initially tried to move the suspect from the seated area away. According to the reports, the bomber fled before detonating at a distance from the protest field.
“The suicide bomber flew to about 400 yards from the sitting site,” said a BNP source, confirming that no damage to the camp or participants were caused.
Police recovered parts of the body of the explosion site. An investigation was launched to the incident.
Speaking after the attack, Mengal reiterated that his party did not face threats from any militant group. “If we have any threat, it is from the State,” he claimed, accusing the authorities to try to increase tensions. He argued that his protest would remain peaceful despite the attack.
Baluchistan government spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed the suicide attack, stating: “There has been no loss of lives. Sardar Akhtar Mengal and all BNP-M leadership are safe.”
Rind pointed out that BNP-M’s sitting remained in progress near the attack site and that the government would inform the public after completing their investigation into the incident.
He said the provincial government was in contact with the leadership of BNP-M and was committed to guaranteeing the safety of the rally participants. A party delegation met with the local administration on Friday night, after which it was agreed that a government delegation would meet Mr. Mengal.
A pump elimination squad and officials from the Terrorism Department (CTD) have examined the site and collect evidence. The authorities have arrested some suspects for the interrogation, while a greater investigation is in progress.
No group or individual immediately claimed the responsibility of the attack.
Bilawal condemns
Meanwhile, the president of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party governs the province, condemned the suicide attack.
He said the attack aimed at the head of the BNP-M was worrying and asked the main minister Sarfraz Bugti to take the planners of the explosion before justice.
MB KALHORO IN LARKANA also contributed to this report
Posted in Dawn, March 30, 2025
