QUETTA – Major political parties in Balochistan have announced a province-wide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike for September 8 in response to the recent suicide bombing that targeted a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) rally.
The attack, which occurred near Quetta’s Sariab Road earlier this week, killed at least 17 people and left dozens injured, sparking anger across the province.
The strike call was made during a joint press conference in Quetta attended by key political figures, including Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, BNP-M president Sardar Akhtar Mengal, National Party’s Kabir Muhammad, ANP’s Asghar Khan Achakzai, PTI Balochistan president Dawood Shah Kakar, and MWM’s Allama Vilayat Hussain Jafari.
Speaking to reporters, Achakzai condemned the attack as “a crime against humanity” and stressed that the people of Balochistan would continue their democratic struggle despite threats. He announced that air and train services would also remain suspended on the protest day to amplify their message.
BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal alleged that the blast was meant to silence political voices but vowed to keep resisting. He criticized the authorities for failing to relocate the rally despite prior intelligence warnings and urged citizens from all walks of life to participate in the protest.
National Party’s Kabir Muhammad argued that the current assemblies do not reflect the will of the people and warned that Balochistan’s resources are being controlled by outsiders. He called the incident a province-wide day of mourning.
PTI’s Dawood Shah Kakar demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, terming the current provincial setup a product of electoral manipulation.
MWM’s Allama Jafari said the people would not abandon their struggle for rights despite the loss of lives, declaring that “tyranny never lasts.”
The conference concluded with prayers for the victims, with party leaders pledging to announce a joint political strategy following the September 8 strike.
