QUETTA: The National Party (NP) has vowed to continue its struggle for financial and political empowerment of all federating units and devolution of power to the union council level.

Unveiling his party’s election manifesto at a press conference on Sunday, NP president Senator Hasil Khan Bizenjo said: “Except currency, foreign policy and defence, all powers should rest with the federating units.”

While highlighting the important points of the manifesto, he suggested making legislation through a parliamentary committee for selecting and removing the prime minister. Appointments in the country’s major institutions, including the army and Supreme Court, should be made through a joint committee of parliament, he added.

He demanded that the defence budget should be presented in parliament for approval, instead of keeping it secret.

Hasil Bizenjo unveils party’s election manifesto

Senator Bizenjo said all powerful institutions, including the army and intelligence agencies, must be brought under full control of parliament, while the Senate should be empowered to work independently and look into the affairs of the country.

While referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the NP chief said that the leadership of Balochistan should be taken into confidence during signing of any CPEC project and the control of Gwadar Port should be given to the provincial government.

Slamming the federal and provincial governments for their flawed policies and aggressive behaviour towards Balochistan, he said because of negligence by previous rulers Balochistan had witnessed simmering violence.

“The martyrdom of Nawab Akbar Bugti, Mola Bukhsh Dashti, Dr Lal Bukhsh and other leaders ignited unrest in the province, while Baloch political workers were abducted by forces and later their mutilated bodies were found,” he said.

Senator Bizenjo said after consensus with political parties and institutions his party would strive for the safe recovery of missing persons and take steps for the return of internally displaced persons who had left their homes after the army action in Balochistan.

He said his party wanted Pakistan to have friendly relations with all its neighboring countries.

“Our priority will be to halt hostile interference of agencies in Balochistan,” he said.

He said his party would end the culture of domicile in Balochistan and cancel fake domiciles issued after the creation of one unit. “We want to make local all nations living in Balochistan.”

The NP president said the Election Commission of Pakistan was the last hope of holding fair and transparent elections, but the way it selected Alauddin Marri as caretaker chief minister indicated pre-election rigging in Balochistan.

Senator Kabir Ahmed Mohammad Shahi, Yasmin Lehri and other leaders of the National Party were also present at the press conference.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2018