An ongoing sit-in at Lakpass in Balochistan, spearheaded by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), marks another critical moment in the province’s struggle for justice and fundamental rights.
Initially announced as a long march to Quetta that commenced from Wadh on March 28, the protest transformed into a sit-in at Lakpass, where it has remained for over a week. Multiple announcements to continue the march to Quetta have yet to materialize due to government attempts to discourage it, particularly through the deployment of security forces and movement restrictions.
Undeniable despite the sustained stoppage is the peaceful and disciplined nature of the protest. At no point have the demonstrators sought to take the law into their own hands or clashed with law enforcers, as seen in so many other similar protests of the recent past. In doing so, the movement has highlighted the need for inclusive dialogue within Pakistan’s federal framework to restore normalcy.
To the government’s credit, it has attempted to respond in kind multiple times, engaging with the BNP-M leadership to resolve the standoff. However, these efforts remain inadequate and limited in scope. Dialogue, if it is to yield meaningful results, must be consistent, comprehensive, and held in good faith. Sporadic engagement or behind-the-scenes overtures will not resolve the deep-rooted issues that have kept Balochistan on the edge for decades.
This makes it even more regrettable that the government warned Akhtar Mengal he would be arrested if he attempted to advance toward Quetta. Such heavy-handed tactics can only inflame tensions and deepen the trust deficit between the people of Balochistan and the state. Intimidation of democratic leaders undermines the very spirit of the Constitution and sends the wrong message to those advocating peaceful protest. In response, he has called for a shutter-down strike across the province.
Balochistan, already reeling from economic hardship, security challenges, and political disillusionment, cannot afford repeated shutter-down strikes and prolonged instability. The only viable and sustainable path forward is through dialogue among all democratic stakeholders of the province. This includes provincial political parties, civil society, and the federal government—working together with sincerity and transparency.
Preventing further alienation and ensuring the integrity of the democratic process requires investing in a political process that centers the voices of Balochistan’s people. The moment demands leadership—not ultimatums.