QUETTA: Prominent scholar, writer and leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Jan Muhammad Dashti has termed the decision of some political parties of boycotting the previous five general elections in the country a big mistake, saying that their absence in the elections had paved the way for non-political elements to reach national and provincial assemblies.

He was speaking at a gathering held in connection with his election campaign on Sunday.

Mr Dashti, who is contesting the 2018 election for a National Assembly constituency from Turbat, said that parliament was a strong institution where voice for people’s rights could be raised and their issues could be resolved. He said politics had nothing to do with dishonesty, adding that politics was a holy mission and politicians must serve people with honesty. It was the responsibility of politicians to work for the rights of people and solution of their problems, he added.

He said those who joined politics just for their personal gains were in fact hypocrites.

Mr Dashti said if he elected to the National Assembly he would raise his voice for the solution of problems the people of his area were facing and would always remain available for his accountability.

Answering questions of party workers and supporters present on the occasion, he said it was necessary for Baloch people to use their right of franchise. By boycotting an election they could only ensure entry in the assemblies of those people who joined politics only for their personal gains, he added. Mr Dashti said he had great respect for all politicians. He said if elected he would raise his voice for the rights of Balochistan’s people and work for creating employment opportunities.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2018