The Balochistan National Party (BNP) has accused the Pakistani government of unjustly targeting Baloch women for speaking out about their rights, stating that their rising political awareness is unsettling those in power, according to local media reports.

Speaking at a public rally in Khuzdar on Wednesday, BNP chief Akhtar Mengal said, “Our women in Balochistan are now so aware that the rulers are losing their sleep over it. They fear the Baloch. Our party stepped down from the assemblies to fight for Baloch rights. We’ve tried peaceful political solutions, but the situation has worsened.”

Mengal emphasized the significance of the rally, noting the massive turnout as evidence that “the people of Balochistan are alive and united.” He also announced plans for another major rally in Quetta on May 2 to demand justice, as reported by Dawn.

Last week, Mengal ended a 20-day sit-in at Lakpass in Mastung district, aimed at protesting the arrests of Baloch activists, citing concerns over its economic impact on local traders. The BNP had earlier launched a long march to condemn the arrest of Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrang Baloch and other activists, along with police crackdowns during protests.

“We believe in a peaceful struggle. The movement continues, and we will now take it to the public across the province,” Mengal stated at a press conference in Mastung.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has extended BYC leader Mahrang Baloch’s detention by another 30 days, her lawyer Imran Baloch confirmed to The Express Tribune. Mahrang, who was arrested on March 22 after participating in a sit-in protest in Quetta against enforced disappearances, now faces charges of terrorism, sedition, and murder.

Her detention was initially set for 30 days, but authorities have issued a fresh order for another month, drawing widespread condemnation from rights groups and activists.