KARACHI: Two women leaders of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP) said on Wednesday that more than 70 members of the party had been missing for several months and emphasised that the situation in Balochistan could only be normalised if aspirations of Baloch people were kept supreme.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Ailaaf Baloch and Afshan Baloch urged the authorities concerned to give their right arm to solve the simmering problem in Balochistan.

They recalled that Balochistan had plenty of natural resources, yet its people were unable to have clean drinking water, education and healthcare facilities. They pointed out that giving Baloch people their rights on a priority basis would be a huge step.

They said the BRP had been raising its voice for the recovery of its members who, they claimed, were victims of enforced disappearances.

The BRP leaders severely criticised former chief minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, saying during his 30 months in office he had failed to play an effective role to solve the problems facing the province.

They said the Balochistan conundrum could not be solved merely by use of force. “Keeping in view the aspirations of the Baloch people in earnest is key to go forward for a better future of Balochistan and the rest of the country,” said Ailaaf Baloch.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2016