The Balochistan government said on Saturday there were “unverified rumours of firing by security forces” in Mastung as the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee claimed that 14 of its supporters were injured after receiving bullet wounds.

“There are rumours related to firing in Mustang,” the provincial government said in a statement. “Reports of firing by security forces are unverified. The law and order situation in Balochistan is being deliberately pushed towards deterioration.”

The BYC has claimed that the incident occurred when one of its cavalcades was on its way to the protest site. The committee is set to hold a gathering in Gwadar on Sunday (tomorrow) where leaders of different political parties and rights activists from across the country are expected to attend and discuss the issue of enforced disappearances.

The organisation has been posting updates about supporters departing from various parts to head towards Gwadar.

According to the Balochistan government, no one was exempt from the law and action would be taken against those who disturbed the peace. “The intentions behind the demonstration in Gwadar are clear,” it said.

“Peaceful protest is everyone’s right, however, law cannot be allowed to be taken into one’s hands. The BYC has been invited to resolve the issues through dialogue,” it added.

The statement added that the government recognised the right to a peaceful protest but the BYC should also acknowledge the local administration’s right and responsibility to choose the site for the demonstration.

The statement reiterated an offer for talks with the BYC.

On Saturday, the Balochistan CM invited the BYC to negotiations.

In his speech during the assembly session, Bugti stated that social manoeuvring was being done in the province and named some “legitimate voices” of terrorist and separatist organisations. “They are being sent on the streets and they provoke the police,” Bugti said and added that the government would not take action against citizens.

While reacting to the July 28 date for protest in Gwadar, he claimed that the port city was chosen when the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corrdior was about to begin there.

“I want to say that we have intelligence reports that there are serious threats that the BLA wants to carry out a suicide attack targeting the rally in Gwadar,” he said and added that the provincial government urged the protesters to change the venue.