All 260 political leaders and workers detained during Monday’s wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across Balochistan were released on Tuesday following successful negotiations between provincial authorities and opposition parties.
The strike, which turned violent after clashes with police, road blockades, and stone pelting, had led to mass arrests in Quetta and other towns. Protesters were demonstrating against the recent suicide bombing at a BNP-M rally in Quetta that left over a dozen people dead.
Talks were held at the commissioner’s office, where the government was represented by Senior Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buleidi, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, and Zamarak Khan Achakzai.
Quetta Division Commissioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar and Deputy Commissioner Mehrullah Badini also joined. On the opposition side, leaders from the BNP, PkMAP, National Party, ANP, PTI, Jamaat-i-Islami, and MWM participated, led by Advocate Sajid Khan Tareen.
After hours of discussions, both sides reached a consensus. The government agreed to release all detained workers, withdraw cases filed under Section 144, and drop charges related to blocking highways, damaging property, and violence. The decision was announced as a goodwill gesture on the directives of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.
In return, opposition leaders pledged to ensure their protests remained peaceful, to fully respect laws, and to safeguard public property. They further agreed to coordinate with district administrations when planning rallies or gatherings, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures.
The deal has temporarily defused political tensions in the province, where security concerns remain high following the Quetta bombing. Both the government and opposition emphasized the importance of maintaining order and avoiding further violent confrontations.
The release of detainees marks a significant step towards easing tensions, though the underlying grievances driving protests in Balochistan continue to simmer.
