BNP's Mengal escapes suicide attack

CM Sarfaraz Bugti reaffirms govt's commitment to providing security to protestors

QUETTA:

An alleged suicide attack took place on Saturday near the site of a sit-in staged by the Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) at the Lak Pass area of Balochistan's Mastung district.

BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other senior party leaders were present at the protest site when the allaged attacker detonated his suicide vest. However, fortunately, all people remained unharmed.

Mengal's party had launched a long march from Wadh to Quetta against the arrest of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders including Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sami Deen Muhammad.

According to sources, the Balochistan government had been in contact with the BNP-M leadership since the previous night and a delegation from the BNP-M had already met with the local administration.

A government team was also scheduled to meet Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Saturday, when the incident took place. They said the government has assured the protestors that a thorough investigation has been launched whose findings will be shared with the public soon.

Following the incident, security was significantly increased in and around the BNP-M long march. Authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure safety in the area, aiming to prevent any further threats, officials said.

Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned what he referred to as an "alleged suicide bombing."

In a post on social media platform X, he assured that the government would investigate the incident thoroughly. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing security to BNP-M leadership and participants.

The JUI-F also condemned the suicide attack, noting that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure protection of peaceful protests.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, JUI-F's spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said the suicide attack on Mengal and his workers was deeply regrettable.

"The Constitution of Pakistan allows peaceful protests. Ensuring security for peaceful protests is the government's responsibility," he said.

He said those advocating for their rights through constitutional means must be fully protected.

"Democrats should not be pushed against the wall. When voices are ignored in Parliament, people are forced to take to the streets," he added.