Balochistan National Party–Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has launched a strong criticism of state policies, saying that those who raised constitutional concerns about Balochistan were branded as traitors, while those responsible for breaking the country were never punished.
Addressing the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore, Akhtar Mengal said he approached the Supreme Court, delivered speeches in parliament, and presented proposals at various seminars to highlight Balochistan’s issues. “In return, we were called traitors, while those who divided the country faced no accountability,” he said.
Referring to the February 8 general elections, he said protests were being held against the polls, yet the same elections were used to create what he described as an “artificial leadership” in Balochistan. He warned that dissent was being suppressed, citing cases where individuals were handed severe sentences over social media activity, while major political wrongdoings went unpunished.
Akhtar Mengal said that those labeled as terrorists were publicly welcomed on January 31, with people embracing them and taking selfies. He said this reality should also prompt reflection in Punjab. “People in Balochistan do not take selfies with ministers, but they do so with those they see as a solution to their problems,” he added.
He said the people of Balochistan welcome such figures because they believe they represent answers to long-standing grievances. Questioning state policies, he asked why walls of hatred had been erected, adding that such divisions had never been dismantled.
The BNP-M chief said he no longer had any proposals to offer for resolving the Balochistan issue. “I went to the Supreme Court, spoke in parliament, and raised these issues at conferences like this one, but we were labeled traitors. I have no solution left to present,” he said.
He warned that Balochistan has reached a point of no return, holding the state responsible for the current situation. Referring to historical political slogans, he said that the narrative raised in 1973 could resurface if the situation continued unchecked.
Akhtar Mengal concluded by urging serious introspection, warning that ignoring Balochistan’s grievances could further deepen political and social divides in the country.
