QUETTA: Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has emphasised the need for unity among nationalist political forces for defending the rights and interests of the people of Balochistan and safeguarding the resources of the province.

Speaking at a lunch hosted in his honour by the Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) here on Saturday, Mr Mengal said that differences and lack of unity among democratic and nationalist forces in the past had damaged their struggle.

Leaders of Awami National Party Dr Inyatullah and Nawab Abdul Zahir Kasi, PML-N leader Haji Lashkari Raisani, Senator Dr Jahanzeb Jamaldani and Sardar Nisar Ali Hazara also attended the gathering.

Mr Mengal, who has served as chief minister of Balochistan, rejected the present coalition government’s claim that there was improvement in the security situation in the province. Rather, he added, there were more disturbances now in Turbat, Awaran, some parts of northern Balochistan and Pakhtun-majority areas.

He said those who were involved in attacks on former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf had been executed, but no one had been taken to the task for killing hundreds of innocent Baloch people.

The BNP-M president condemned attacks on members of the Hazara community and said that Hazaras and Pakhtuns were victim of oppression.

Recalling the past political situation, he said people of different nationalities had then united on the platform of National Awami Party and launched joint struggle for the rights of people, but their leaders had been jailed and tortured by military rulers.

The HDP chairman said that members of his community believed in peaceful politics.

Lashkari Raisani accused rulers of trying to defend their illegitimate interests.

Zamaruk Khan Achakzai also spoke.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play