ISLAMABAD: The Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) has warned of boycotting the next general elections if the “ongoing military operation” in the province is not called off.
JWP chief Talal Bugti called on party leaders to garner support for his stance saying that free and fair elections are impossible “if intelligence agencies continue to interfere in the province.”
During a press conference on Monday, Talal also alleged that foreign intelligence agencies had penetrated the Pakistan security establishment.
Endorsing the stance of Balochistan National Party leader Akhtar Mengal, Talal said that the safe and speedy return of missing persons in the province was instrumental to peace. He also spoke about his efforts to urge self-exiled Baloch leaders to participate in the general elections.
Wooing the PML-N
Talal, the son of former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Akbar Bugti, criticised the current government’s failure to address the problems of the Baloch people. He proposed a grand alliance to restore peace in the province.
“We need the Punjab government to play an active role to resolve the problems of Balochistan,” said Talal. Referring to the PML-N’s commitment to the Balochistan question, Talal quoted Nawaz as saying, “We will live and die together”.
Talal said that the PML-N chief had extended his full support to Baloch leaders, and had assured that the FC would be withdrawn from the province if PML-N came into power in the next general elections.
He added that if the government was genuinely interested in resolving the province’s issues, “it must stop the army operation in Balochistan.”
Talal also met PML-Zia chief Ejazul Haq, Lt General (retd) Hamid Gul, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan president Dr Abdul Qadir Khan, Pakistan Amn Party President Gulzar Awan and other leaders for the formation of the proposed alliance.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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As long as there exists the Tribal Chiefs in Baluchistan, there will never be peace and progress. These people do not give a damn about the public!
Military pullout is a term used by politicians and Molvies alike. Probably they mean that the Army should be stationed outside Balochistan, like Iran, or Maldives etc..
Its high time we realize the mistakes and continuous violation of human rights in this part. Baloch poeple have all right to ask for their demands, which has not been met for 60 years. Instead, its on the verge of becoming another 1971. But if that brings happiness and comfort to millions of common baloch citizens, then they should break up from the federation. Its a welcome move, since Balochistan was never a part of pakistan from day one. This uneasy marriage must end.
First signal for running away from elections. Most of the darlings of media does not have vast support in the general public. Those who are sitting out and creating the perception as the sole representatives, are in fact likely to run away from elections as they know they donot have support in public. Their strenght area is media and judiciary.
as we said, PML(N) is the only party that can help restore peace in balochistan inshallah. burnol for PTI.