BNP chief stresses timely election

Akhtar Mengal urges ECP to fulfil constitutional duty

QUETTA:

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), emphasised the constitutional obligation of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct elections after the government’s tenure concludes.

During a press conference in Quetta, he expressed his anticipation of the ECP fulfilling this vital constitutional duty. Joined by Raja Jawad Advocate and others, the event marked the addition of new members to the BNP, including former party lawmakers Malik Naseer Shahwani and Akhtar Hussain Langove from the Balochistan Assembly.

Mengal noted that the government’s tenure concluded in accordance with the constitution, shifting the responsibility to the ECP to announce the election schedule. Responding to queries about BNP’s stance on former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo, Mengal cited dissatisfaction with the former CM, Jam Kamal Khan, due to his uncompromising stance.

He compared the “Jam era” to the governance of Musharraf, highlighting incidents like using armoured vehicles against assembly members during the budget session at the Balochistan Assembly premises. Mengal defended his support for Quddus Bizenjo, explaining it as a response to the mistreatment of lawmakers, especially women, during Kamal’s tenure.

Mengal addressed the prevailing law and order issues in Balochistan, highlighting challenges faced during elections where candidates struggle to reach their constituencies and cast their votes. He recalled instances where representatives were elected with as few as 25 votes.

While the census was conducted successfully, the subsequent distribution of resources didn’t reflect the people’s rights, a grievance Mengal lamented.

Expressing frustration, Mengal emphasized a re-curring pattern: each new ruler promises prosperity for Balochistan, yet fails to grasp the region’s unique challenges. Until the province receives its rightful share and legitimate rights, he argued, the cycle of terrorism would persist.