Molana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Cancels Long March, Cites Peaceful Resolution of Issues in Balochistan

Balochistan has witnessed a concerning increase in unrest, with the recent arrest of Baloch Unity Committee organizer Mah Rang Baloch and other activists intensifying the protests. While the Baloch National Party Mengal has been holding a sit-in in Lakpas for the past 11 days, transforming their long march into a protest, the Democratic Watan Party had also announced a long march from Dera Bugti to Quetta on April 4. However, Democratic Watan Party leader Gahram Bugti was arrested under Section 3 of the MPO. During this time, Haaq Do Tehreek’s leader, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, also declared a long march from Gwadar to Quetta on April 7, but he canceled it a day before.

This raises the question: Why did Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman cancel the march? In his statement, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman condemned the arrest of Mah Rang Baloch and expressed full support for Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s long march. He mentioned that after consulting with his party leadership, activists, and supporters, they decided that the current situation in Balochistan could not bear another long march. He emphasized that their movement seeks peace, resolution of issues, the release of missing persons, and a peaceful approach to all matters.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stated that his party would fully participate in Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s protest, asserting that their decision was not made out of fear or intimidation. He clarified that the decision was taken considering the prevailing circumstances in the province. He also added that he had contacted the government, urging them to release Mah Rang Baloch and her entire team, to engage in meaningful negotiations with Sardar Akhtar Mengal, avoid the use of force, and resolve political issues through peaceful means.

Political analysts believe that Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman’s cancellation of the long march is likely a political strategy rather than an indication of fear. It is possible that Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman has lost his previous influence in Gwadar, and with the public’s support shifting, joining Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s already successful sit-in is seen as a more advantageous political move.