National Party calls for political reforms

National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Wednesday urged the federal government to adopt his party's recommendations to address Balochistan's longstanding political and constitutional issues, saying the province's situation could improve if Islamabad demonstrated political will.

Addressing a grand joining ceremony at the Quetta Press Club, Dr Malik said the 1973 Constitution, the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award should remain untouched, while proposals to create new provinces should be abandoned.

He called for recognition of the people of Balochistan's right over their resources and governance, an end to interference in elections, a permanent resolution of the issue of missing persons, the release of political prisoners. He also demanded merit-based employment for unemployed youth, transparent implementation of Balochistan's quota in federal jobs, removal of restrictions on border trade, abolition of unnecessary security checkpoints and stronger local government institutions.