Suicide bomber targets BNP-M protest in Mastung, no casualties reported

By Staff Reporter

QUETTA: Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of Pakistan’s Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and his supporters escaped unharmed when a suicide bomber detonated explosives near his party’s rally in Mastung Balochistan on Saturday, officials said.

The blast occurred as Mengal’s supporters gathered for a protest long march from Wadh to Quetta to demand the release of arrested right group Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch.

Baloch and other leaders of the BYC were arrested last week after a police crackdown on their sit-in in Quetta.

Mengal’s security guards intercepted the bomber, preventing him from reaching the stage where the BNP-M leaders were present, officials said. The bomber blew himself up around 400 yards from the sit-in site, causing no damage to the camp or participants.

“Sardar Akhtar Mengal, party workers and supporters remained unharmed in the attack,” police said. Mengal claimed four party members were injured.

Body parts of the attacker were recovered, and an investigation was underway. No group claimed responsibility.

Police, alongside the Counter-Terrorism Department and a bomb disposal squad, examined the site and detained several suspects for questioning.

Mengal vowed to continue the demonstration. “Our protest will continue until the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders and workers.”

“Release the arrested women, and we will return. I am ready to give my arrest in return for the release of women.”

The Baloch leader alleged that the government was attempting to escalate tensions. “If we have any threat, it is from the state.”

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the attack but said there was “no loss of life” and that Mengal and BNP-M leaders were safe. “The government was in talks with the party and pledged to ensure the rally’s security,” Rind said.

Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack on X. “Terrorism, no matter who it is directed against, is condemnable!”

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in Balochistan, where separatist and nationalist groups have been demanding greater autonomy and rights for the region’s ethnic Baloch population.