QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) on Friday launched the second phase of its protest in Mastung, demanding the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch, chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and other detained female activists.

Earlier, the BNP-M had ended its 20-day sit-in, but announced province-wide protest rallies from April 18 to May 12. The rally in Mastung marked the first major demonstration of the second phase.

BNP-M leaders, workers and supporters marched through the town, carrying flags and banners.

Leaders from JUI-F and Jamaat-i-Islami also joined the protest, condemning the arrests, warning that the situation in Balochistan would worsen, and called for the immediate release of all detained women.

BNP-M Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has vowed to continue the protests until their demands are met.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2025