BNP demands release of detained party leader in Balochistan

QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) on Tuesday condemned what it described as a raid on the home of a senior party leader and his subsequent detention, and called for the immediate release of those held.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP-M Senior Vice President Advocate Sajid Tareen said the incident took place after a clash between security forces and armed men in the Bulbul area of Zehri. He alleged that personnel entered the residence of Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiani, adding that Musiani and his son, Mir Khalil Zehri, were injured during the raid and then taken into custody.

Tareen further claimed that the two were being held at a school building in Bulbul Cross that had been converted into a detention centre. He also alleged that local residents who protested after the arrests were detained as well, though some women were later released. According to him, Sardar Naseer was later moved to an undisclosed location.

Condemning the action, Tareen said it violated the sanctity of the home and was unacceptable under any circumstances. He demanded the immediate release of all detainees, including Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiani and his sons, and warned that the BNP would launch protests across the province on June 4 if they were not freed.