QUETTA: A powerful wave of grief and anger swept through the provincial capital on Sunday as the Balochistan National Party (BNP), in coordination with the Baloch Students Organization (BSO), staged a massive protest rally against the tragic Sorab-Gadar airstrike. The deadly incident, which resulted in the martyrdom of a large number of women, children, and Baloch youth, has sparked widespread outrage across the region.

The rally, which commenced from the Stadium area, saw a hundreds of participants marching through key thoroughfares, including Chaman Phaatak and White Road, before culminating in a large public gathering. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as demonstrators raised thunderous slogans condemning the attack and paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs.

Women and Children Lead the Outpouring of Grief

In a striking display of solidarity, a significant number of women and children participated in the rally and the subsequent sit-in, reflecting the deep communal impact of the tragedy. The protest was led by the party's Senior Vice President, Sajid Tareen Advocate, who was flanked by a host of central and district leaders.

Leadership Addresses the Gathering

Addressing the charged crowd, Sajid Tareen Advocate delivered a fiery speech, denouncing what he termed the "puppet" provincial government's excesses. "The Sarfraz administration has crossed all limits of oppression and brutality," he asserted. "Neither force nor tyranny can silence the Baloch and Pashtun people. The time for unity has arrived. The BNP is sending a clear message to all political parties that we must stand together, or everything will be lost. We will not remain silent over the martyrdom of innocent children and women."

BSO Secretary General Samand Baloch also addressed the rally, reaffirming the student body's commitment to the cause of justice and accountability.

Party Leadership and Tribal Representatives Present

The protest was attended by a wide array of party officials and tribal elders. Notable attendees included:

· Central Leadership: Malik Naseer Ahmed Shahwani (Central Deputy Secretary), Agha Hassan Baloch Advocate (Central Information Secretary), Akhtar Hussain Lango (Central Finance Secretary), and Musa Baloch (Central Labor Secretary).

· Executive Committee Members: Ghulam Nabi Mari, Chairman Waheed Baloch, Tikri Shafqat Lango, Chairman Javed Baloch, Haji Bahadur Mengal, Mir Sikandar Shahwani, and Saniya Hassan Kashani Advocate.

· District Organizers: Haji Waheed Lehri (District Organizer Quetta), Deputy Organizer Javed Baloch, and District Organizing Committee members including Farida Baloch Advocate, Malik Ibrahim Shahwani, Naser Qambrani, Kawal Khan Mari, and Tahir Shahwani Advocate.

· Other Prominent Leaders: John Muhammad Mengal, Mir Wais Mengal, Mama Naseer Mengal, Naseem Javed Hazara, Nimat Mazhar, Yasin Hazara, Saleem Chand, Mama Noor Khan Kheazai, Haji Siddique Lango, Ali Ahmed Qambrani, and Malik Mohiuddin Lehri.

· BSO and Youth Leaders: Kabir Baloch, Atif Rodini Baloch, Kamran Baloch, Shoaib Baloch, Ayub Baloch, Juma Khan Nichari, Haji Zaheer Lehri, Rizajan Shahizai, Hamid Baloch, Bahawal Mengal, and Zafaran Baloch.

Demand for Action on Missing Persons

The leadership also raised serious concerns regarding the enforced disappearance of party workers. They specifically highlighted the cases of Haji Rajab, the manager of party chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, and his guard Ahmed, who were reportedly taken into custody and remain untraceable following the airstrike. The protesters demanded their immediate recovery and condemned the state's alleged inaction.

The rally concluded with a resolve to continue the struggle for justice and accountability, with leaders vowing to escalate the movement if their demands are not met.