QUETTA: Workers and supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) on Saturday blocked the National Highway in different parts of the province, cutting off Balochistan’s road link with other provinces.

This protest was sparked by the alleged kidnapping of BNP senators’ sons and proposed constitutional amendments.

Led by BNP’s district organiser Sultan Imam Baloch and former district president Abdul Latif Qalandarani, the party blocked the Quetta-Karachi national highway at Nuri Naseer Khan Chowk. Other blocked routes included the Que­tta-Karachi highway, Shahdadkot-Lark­ana highway, Nal-Basima CPEC Road, and more, causing traffic disruptions.

Although vehicles were halted from passing, ambulances and vehicles carrying the sick were allowed through. Fortunately, no untoward incidents were reported during the protest.

The BNP leaders declared that the protest would continue indefinitely until the senators are recovered.

As of now, national highways across several parts of Balochistan remain blocked, and demonstrations are ongoing.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2024