BNP-M Chief criticises govt’s peace efforts in Balochistan

QUETTA: Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal criticised both federal and provincial governments for their failure to restore peace in Balochistan despite substantial financial investments.

Talking to media, Mengal highlighted that the understanding the province’s real issues was crucial to overcome the challenges.

Mengal asserted that projects such as Reko Diq, Saindak, and Sui gas, along with other avenues, have historically exploited Balochistan. He held the outgoing ruling coalition responsible for exacerbating the situation, suggesting they’ve contributed to the province’s struggles.

The reports said that he drew attention to the recent population census, stating that even though the majority actively participated, the province’s population figure was manipulated to 7.3 million. He alleged that this deliberate reduction aimed to diminish Balochistan’s share of federal resources and the National Finance Commission award.

Furthermore, during the event, Raja Jawad Advocate announced his commitment to the BNP-M and was accompanied by supporters and colleagues. The gathering also saw the presence of BNP’s central secretary general Waja Jahanzeb Baloch, and former MPAs Malik Naseer Shahwani, Akhtar Langove Ghulam Nabi Marri, Musa Baloch, and Shakeela Dehwar.

As per the reports, Mengal also noted that while six censuses have been conducted in Pakistan, objections were raised only when the recent census unveiled the accurate population figures for Balochistan. He pointed to a special Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting called to manipulate the province’s population data.

“Former chief minister, Qudoos Bizenjo, was in Karachi before the CCI meeting but was sent via courier to Islamabad,” Mengal disclosed, urging Bizenjo to clarify his stance on the matter.

Meanwhile, Sardar Akhtar Mengal criticised the organisation of constituencies based on the recent census, claiming it serves as an excuse to postpone elections. He lamented that due to the prevailing law and order situation, campaigning is nearly impossible, thereby denying citizens their voting rights.

“Our speeches are met with desk thumping, yet our pleas don’t reach the offices of the president or prime minister,” Mengal expressed. He disputed claims that the number of missing persons was merely 150, highlighting that around 450 were actually found during their tenure.

Mengal recalled that when BNP-M entered a coalition with PTI, matters of development, missing persons, and Gwadar’s population protection were documented in the agreements, signifying the authenticity of these issues, as reported by Dawn.

Furthermore, Mengal indicated that despite protests during the previous government, their minority position hindered significant outcomes. “Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League –Nawaz (PML-N) are well aware of Balochistan’s issues. Further explanations are unnecessary,” he concluded.