QUETTA: Two former chief ministers of Balochistan, Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, on Sunday emphasised that the solution to Balochistan’s issues can only be achieved by political means, not through the use of force.

They asserted that the country’s future is intricately linked with the supremacy of democracy and the strengthening of political forces.

These views were expressed at the 5th Asma Jahangir Conference held in Lahore.

Mr Mengal, president of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), stated, “If someone wants to resolve the issues of Balochistan, it must be done through political hands, not by guns.”

Sardar Mengal stated that there were already rumours before the general election that the BNP would hardly be given a seat. While discussing the matter, he questioned whom to approach for talks.

Akhtar Mengal, Malik Baloch urge importance of democracy in shaping the country’s future

National Party President Dr Malik Baloch echoed similar thoughts in his speech at the conference. He emphasised that the country’s future hinges on the supremacy of democracy and the strengthening of political parties.

He criticised the weakness of political parties, which, he argued, has empowered the establishment to rule the country according to its will. He expressed concerns about the current government and parliament, labelling them as the weakest institutions in history.

“At present, the country’s constitution is seeking self-preservation,” he said, adding that elections were rigged across the country, including Balochistan, and the buying and selling of votes was rampant.

“Popular public leaders were ousted from parliament, and those brought in were not politically affiliated and had no connection with people,” Dr Malik said, adding that instead of spending heavy sums of money, parliamentary seats were bartered, marking one of the most shameful chapters in political history.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2024