Quetta:

An alleged suicide attack took place on Saturday near the site of a sit-in staged by Balochistan National Party (GDP-M) in the LAK Pass area of ​​Balochistan’s Mastung district.

GDP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other senior party leaders were present at the protest site when the awarded striker detonated his suicide vest. 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 Balochistani government had been in contact with the GDP M leadership since the previous night, and a delegation from GDP-M had already met 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 protesters that a thorough investigation has soon been launched, whose conclusions will soon be shared with the public.

After the incident, security was significantly increased in and around GDP-M Long March. Authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure security in the area for the purpose of preventing additional threats, officials said.

Main Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned what he referred to as an “alleged suicide bombing.”

In a post on social media platform x, he assured himself that the government would investigate the incident thoroughly. He also confirmed the government’s obligation to provide security to GDP M leadership and participants.

Jui-F also condemned the suicide attack and noted that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the protection of peaceful protests.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Jui-F’s spokesman Aslam Ghauri said the suicide attack on Mengal and his workers were deeply regrettable.

“The Constitution of Pakistan allows peaceful protests. To ensure security for peaceful protests, the government’s responsibility,” he said.

He said that those who advocate for their rights through constitutional means must be fully protected.

“Democrats should not be pushed against the wall. When ignoring votes in parliament, people are forced to go on the streets,” he added.