BNP seeks unanimity on missing persons’ issue

Mengal asserts country should not be used as 'an experimental ground'

QUETTA:

Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Akhtar Mengal has invited all political parties of Balochistan to join hands and collectively address the issue of missing persons, asserting that the country should not be used as “an experimental ground”.

Mengal expressed these sentiments during a public gathering at Hockey Stadium Quetta, which was organised to commemorate the second death anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal.

Leaders from the BNP and various other parties also attended and addressed the gathering.

"Sardar Attaullah Mengal endured immense hardships, including imprisonment. There is a vast contrast between the politics of the past and present. In the past, politicians took pride in their imprisonment. We must follow in their footsteps," the BNP president said.

Mengal appealed to all people residing in Balochistan to unite against oppression and cruelty, just as their elders did, sacrificing their lives and the lives of their children without hesitation.

He expressed concern that those who were advocating for their rights were labelled as traitors, while those “licking boots” received guard of honour.

“The world has reached the moon, but the mothers and sisters here await the return of their sons and brothers.
"We are questioned for discussing the issue of missing persons. But we ask them, what else should we talk about? If they stop wrecking people's homes and detaining their loved ones, we won't have the need to talk about it," Mengal said.

He also pledged his loyalty to the land for which the elders had sacrificed their blood, stressing the importance of not turning the country into an experimental ground.

He called for mercy to be shown to future generations.

Mengal noted the economic condition of the country, criticising the wrong policies that had isolated Pakistan on the world stage and made it difficult to obtain loans or even charity.

He highlighted the lack of justice in the courts, citing the cases of Iman Mazari and Ali Wazir, who faced repeated arrests even after being released in a case.

Asghar Khan Achakzai, the provincial president of the Awami National Party, also paid tribute to Attaullah Mengal's struggle, praising his efforts in raising voice for all oppressed people.

"Balochistan is rich in resources but remains backward, and Baloch and Pashtuns have to unite for the betterment of the province," he urged.

Senator Kabir Mohammad Shahi, the central senior vice president of the National Party, spoke at the occasion, highlighting Attaullah Mengal's lifelong dedication to the emancipation and education of oppressed classes.

Shahi highlighted the disparity in Balochistan's resources and developments, stating that despite the region's gas reserves, women still depended on wood for cooking.

Moreover, he pointed out that Chagai remained underdeveloped, and Gwadar faced water scarcity issues.

The gathering also saw several other political leaders addressing the crowd, discussing the challenges faced by the people of Balochistan.