The five-day protest sit-in on Quetta's Airport Road, staged against the Hanna Urak tragedy, was peacefully called off on Friday following successful negotiations between Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the protest committee. Participants immediately removed their tents and camps after the agreement, and the Airport Road, which had remained blocked for five days, was fully reopened for all traffic.
Negotiations and Participants
CM Bugti held detailed talks with the protest committee, heirs of the martyrs, and tribal elders. The meeting was also attended by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Quetta Division Commissioner Shahzeb Kakar, Special Assistant to CM on Information Shahid Rind, and other senior officials. Shahid Rind confirmed that the negotiations were successful, and the heirs expressed confidence in CM Bugti’s assurances, announcing the end of the protest.
Chief Minister's Assurances
Speaking on the occasion, CM Bugti said he had been in constant contact with the protest committee since the first day and had made every possible effort for a peaceful, dignified, and lasting resolution. “I have a long-standing relationship of respect and trust with the affected families and their elders, which will continue in the future as well,” he stated. He assured that any lapse or mistake from the government’s side would be acknowledged and corrected, and the affected families would receive every possible relief and support.
The chief minister revealed that important decisions were taken in the Balochistan Apex Committee meeting in the presence of the prime minister and chief of defence forces, and full implementation of those decisions would be ensured. He announced that the heirs of the martyrs of the Hanna Urak incident would receive financial compensation, government jobs would be provided to family members, and the Balochistan government would bear all educational expenses of the martyrs’ children. Bugti reiterated the government’s resolve to protect lives and property and establish lasting peace in the province.
Background of the Tragedy
On July 5, unidentified armed men attacked the Hanna Urak area of Kili Babri on the outskirts of Quetta, killing five civilians, injuring eight others, and abducting 11 people. In protest, the heirs and locals blocked the Airport Road for five days, severely affecting city traffic.
Recovery of Abductees
Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed that all 11 abductees were safely recovered. Ten were freed on Thursday night, while one was released a day earlier. All were taken to Quetta safely. The health minister also confirmed the recovery, stating it was made possible through the joint efforts of the Balochistan government, law enforcement agencies, and tribal elders.
