Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), has stated that the issues of Balochistan can only be resolved through negotiations, but for that to happen, they must be understood as a political issue rather than a security issue. He warned that if the issue continues to be framed as a security matter, it will only be resolved between the military and those in the mountains.
Criticism of the Current Parliamentary System
In a special interview, Akhtar Mengal criticized Pakistan’s current parliamentary system, stating that he sees no positive changes in it. He said that there is a stark contrast between the parliamentary system of 20 years ago and the current one. He explained that there is no longer room for addressing Balochistan’s issues within the system, and thus, he believes there is no space left in current parliamentary politics for meaningful discussions on the region’s problems.
Obstacles to Speaking in Parliament
Mengal explained that despite his repeated attempts to raise the issue of Balochistan in parliament, he faced continuous barriers. He pointed out that when he attempted to speak about the problems of Balochistan, the Deputy Speaker prevented him from doing so, and there was a media blackout on his speeches. He stated that these obstacles ultimately led him to resign from parliament.
The March from Wadh to Quetta
Akhtar Mengal initiated a march from his ancestral village of Wadh to Quetta to raise awareness about the issues faced by Baloch women and youth who have been detained. During this march, authorities created hurdles, and there was even a suicide bombing. Despite these challenges, Mengal declared that he would continue his march towards Quetta on April 6, 2025, to make his voice heard.
The Need for Negotiations to Resolve Balochistan’s Issues
Mengal emphasized that Balochistan’s issues can only be resolved through dialogue, but he pointed out that if the issues are viewed solely through a security lens, they will never be resolved. He said that the state and political parties have consistently ignored the concerns of the Baloch people.
Intervention in Balochistan and the Lack of Political Will
Mengal argued that had the state given the Baloch people their rightful share, they would not have looked to India, Afghanistan, or any external forces for support. He expressed his frustration with the current situation, calling it a never-ending cycle of conflict without a clear solution.