NP slams injustice against Balochistan

Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, a central leader of National Party, on Friday lamented that Balochistan's long-standing democratic commitment continues to be repaid with betrayal and silence.

He accused the federal system of treating the province like a "stepchild of the state".

Speaking at the Lahore Press Club, Buledi vehemently blasted the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Balochistan, adding that people of the province have made a prolonged and sincere contribution to democratic development in Pakistan, but they remain neglected.

"This democracy we see today is the outcome of decades of political struggle," he said. "But our federal system has failed to respect the political, economic and cultural rights of the nations that reside in this region."

Buledi said a particular mindset in the country has repeatedly attempted to suppress and deny the existence of different national identities, their languages, cultures and history. "This very mindset led to the disintegration of Pakistan in 1971," he added.

He pointed out that successive civilian governments, operating under a majority-rule mindset and a bureaucratic system unwilling to accommodate diversity, have further alienated Balochistan.

"Our establishment believes a presidential system is more suitable and even wants to divide the country into 32 or 48 provinces. This is a long-standing battle," Buledi said, accusing the military of repeatedly undermining democracy during its stints in power.

"If Pakistan is to remain stable and united, the existence of its nations must be recognised, their control over natural resources respected, and the country must be run within constitutional limits," he stressed.

Buledi noted that while parliament exists and a parliamentary system is in place, neither the media nor the public enjoys true freedom of speech. "The PDM was formed to end institutional interference and ensure free and fair elections, and that remains the only way to resolve issues, including those of Balochistan."

He also criticised politicians for making compromises once in power. "The Baloch issue has become so chronic that it has reached a critical state. Baloch leadership has tried time and again to explain the province's concerns to Islamabad, but we're seen only as 16 seats in the assembly."

"Two days ago, a political market was held in Islamabad where Balochistan was sold," he said about recent political developments.