QUETTA/MASTUNG: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) sit-in on the National Highway has entered its third day, with the Balochistan government extending an invitation for talks.
The sit-in began after protest convoys were prevented from attending the BYC’s Gwadar meeting last week, resulting in the dispersion of protesters in Mastung and injuries to 14 people.
The closure of the National Highway has disrupted traffic to Karachi, Khuzdar, Hub, Kalat, Surab, Turbat, Panjgur, and Gwadar. Additionally, all roads, including the Makran Coastal Highway M8, have been closed, causing significant difficulties for commuters, with cargo trucks and passenger cars stranded at various locations.
Protesters are demanding the recovery of missing persons, an end to resource seizure practices, and the utilization of resources for the betterment of Balochistan’s people.
Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove emphasized the government’s openness to dialogue, asserting that anti-state agendas are becoming evident. He condemned the instigation of innocent Baloch people against the state, warning that violent conspiracies against Pakistan will ultimately fail.
Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) chief and Balochistan Assembly member Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman highlighted the constitutional right to protest, criticizing the government’s blockade with containers. He condemned the obstacles and alleged firing at the BYC rally in Gwadar. Rehman demanded the restoration of mobile phone and internet services and called for the recovery of missing persons.
