Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the convoy of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), in Mastung. The attack targeted Mengal’s convoy and protest camp as they were marching towards Quetta to protest the illegal detention of Baloch activists.
In a post shared on X, Dr. Naseem Baloch stated, “Sardar Akhtar Mengal did not launch a long march for the independence of Balochistan, but merely to demand basic civil and human rights. Yet even this has become intolerable for the Pakistani state.”
Dr. Baloch emphasized that despite Mengal’s support for politics within Pakistan’s framework, the Pakistani state has turned political activity in Balochistan into a forbidden act. He continued, “That is why his convoy was targeted today. Targeting peaceful protesters through such brutal means is an unacceptable attempt to crush the Baloch people’s struggle.”
The convoy, led by Sardar Mengal, was en route to Quetta to protest the unlawful detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and other activists. The attack on the convoy highlights the increasing repression faced by Baloch activists and the use of violence against those peacefully exercising their right to protest.
Dr. Naseem Baloch called the Pakistani state responsible for the attack, holding it accountable for creating an environment where Baloch activists are constantly under threat. He also urged international human rights organizations to take urgent notice of the ongoing atrocities committed in Balochistan.
“The Pakistani state seeks to crush every voice that rises for national resistance or even remotely echoes support for the Baloch national cause”.
The attack in Mastung underscores the escalating tensions and growing suppression of political dissent in Balochistan, further igniting calls for international intervention to address the worsening human rights situation in the region.
