Pakistan: Balochistan National Party (Mengal) to protest across Balochistan Province July 8 /update 1

Event

The Balochistan National Party (Mengal) (BNP-M) plans to stage protests across Balochistan Province July 8 to denounce instability in the province. Organizers have yet to announce the start time and specific assembly points of the action. Typical gathering sites include government buildings, prominent squares in city centers, and main thoroughfares. Participation will likely vary depending on location but may reach the hundreds, particularly in major cities such as Quetta and Gwadar. Local media indicate that organizers may escalate the protests to a shutdown strike, advancing the action from July 14. On July 3, BNP-M supporters blocked national highways in the province, causing transport disruptions. Participants may attempt to block national highways again during the protests, July 8.

Authorities will likely monitor all related protest activities. Transport disruptions are possible if participants march on or block roadways. Business disruptions cannot be ruled out if the shutdown strike materialized and is well-responded. Police may disperse crowds if gatherings become disruptive, possibly leading to clashes.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Allow additional travel time, especially for journeys using national highways in the province on July 8. Monitor trusted local sources for updates on rallies and related disruptions, as organizers may not announce time or location details in advance. Plan accordingly for business disruptions. Leave the area immediately if violence breaks out.