QUETTA: Former federal minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind on Sunday demanded transparent, fair and free elections in the country and termed present rulers as puppets.

Speaking at a press conference at his Rind Qalat residence, Mr Rind said that because of the present state of affairs in the country, politicians, who earlier believed in parliamentary politics and democratic struggle to achieve the rights of the people, are distancing themselves from the country’s politics which is harmful for the country.

Mr Rind said that people like him, who always believed in democracy, parliamentary politics and brotherhood, now feel disappointed.

“The attitude adopted by rulers and authorities concerned about Balochistan is not in the interest of the people of the province,” Mr Rind said.

He referred to public meetings of Dr Mahrang Baloch and people’s support to her demands, saying that it was the result of disrespectful treatment given by rulers in Islamabad to Dr Baloch and other women of Balochistan “who had gone there to register their protest” about missing persons of Balochistan.

The former minister said that mothers and sisters of Balochistan had gone to Islamabad and there, they endured harsh conditions, facing humiliation and disrespect.

Mr Rind condemned actions taken by authorities against them in Turbat, Gwadar, Quetta, and other areas.

The former federal minister said that while he could not fight against the state, he will stand for the rights of the people and will not shy away from any sacrifice.

“On November 4, we will decide the future course of action after consulting with leaders of Rind tribes in Shoran,” he said.

He said he always advocated for democracy, non-violence but it is shameful to remain silent in the face of such circumstances in Balohcistan.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2024