The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has ended its 20-day sit-in protest in Lakpass, Mastung, Balochistan. 

The protest, which began as a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta on March 28th, was in response to the arrest of Baloch activists, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch (the latter was later released). 

Despite three rounds of unsuccessful negotiations, BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal announced the sit-in’s conclusion on Wednesday, stating a commitment to peaceful struggle. He added that since the government has refused to allow the protest to go ahead, the party will now switch tactics.

Instead of continuing the sit-in, the party will now launch a multi-phased public outreach campaign involving rallies and protests across Balochistan.  The first phase will target Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Surab; the second  phase will target Turbat, Gwadar, and Makran; and the third will target Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Dera Murad Jamali, and other areas. 

The BNP leader said that the next phase of the protest will begin on April 18.

Mengal emphasized that this marks a shift in tactics, not an end to the movement for Baloch rights. He added that the government was clawing away at Balochistan’s resources, which the people of Balochistan will not allow.

Meanwhile, Mahrang Baloch, who was arrested on March 22, remains in prison under MPO.