QUETTA: Chief of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Sardar Akhtar Mengal has lamented that champions of democracy have paralysed it by constitutionally allowing the establishment of military courts in the country.

Mengal arrived in Quetta on Tuesday morning from Dubai after seven months in self-imposed exile.

"Political parties have weakened the democratic system after formation of military courts," Mengal told a crowded press conference at his residence in Quetta.

Dr Jehanzaib Jamaldini, Agha Hassan Baloch and other leaders flanked him on the occasion.

The former Balochistan chief minister termed the recently adopted 21st constitutional amendment as a major blow to democracy in the country.

"Rulers proved their inability to provide justice to the people," he added.

Regarding the situation in the province, the BNP chief stated that nothing has changed since the establishment of nationalist-led government in the province.

He said like former military dictator Pervez Musharraf's era, Baloch political workers were still disappearing.

"Nothing has changed in Balochistan," the former CM lamented.

Mengal claimed that mutilated dead bodies were being found in different parts of the province.

"Despite tall claims of the provincial government, the issue of missing persons and recovery of dead bodies has not been addressed," he said.

Mengal said the present assemblies have lost their importance after parliamentarians surrendered before military courts.

He informed that his party would soon issue a white paper about the present provincial government's performance.

When asked whether his return would improve the situation, he said the return of exiled Baloch leaders would not improve the situation in Balochistan rather rulers have to accept their constitutional rights.

"The situation cannot improve, until Baloch rights are accepted," he added.

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