QUETTA: Three prominent NAP leaders of Baluchistan — Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, Sardar Ataullah Mengal and Sardar Khair Bakhsh Marri — have been arrested on various charges of corruption, malpractices and seditious activities. This was announced by provincial Chief Minster Jam Mir Ghulam Qadir Khan ... this morning [Aug 16].

He said some more arrests had also been made, including that of Col. (Retd) Sultan Mohammad, who was Commandant of now defunct Dehi Mohafiz force, which was raised by the previous NAP Government in the province. The Chief Minister did not give the exact number of those arrested. He, however, told a questioner that former Governor Mir Bizenjo was arrested in Rawalpindi whereas Sardar Ataullah Mengal, former provincial Chief Minister, and Sardar Khair Bakhsh Marri … and Col. Sultan Mohammad were held in Baluchistan. — Staff Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported from Islamabad,] the President has issued an Order suspending the right to move any court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights specified in the Order. … [T]he proclamation of emergency issued on Nov 23, 1971, continues to be in force under article 280 of the Constitution.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2023