Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal has raised serious concerns over the credibility of Pakistan’s electoral process, asserting that candidates cannot secure victory without the backing of powerful entities. Speaking at his residence in Mengal Kot Wadh, Khuzdar, on Saturday, the veteran politician and member of the National Assembly criticized the state of democracy and politics in the country.
“Neither politics nor democracy is intact in Pakistan,” Mengal stated. He argued that the electoral process has become a political ploy, with candidates relying on support from influential quarters rather than winning through democratic means. He lamented that politics has been reduced to a tool for businessmen and traders to protect their wealth and business interests, rather than serving national development.
Mengal also took aim at the Balochistan government, accusing it of failing to address the province’s pressing issues. He claimed that political parties in the region unite for electoral gains but lack the commitment to solve problems. Successive governments, he said, have prioritized maintaining power over addressing Balochistan’s challenges.
Reflecting on past political alliances, such as the MRD and ARD, Mengal noted that such coalitions were temporary arrangements aimed at achieving political goals. Once these objectives were met, he said, major stakeholders abandoned their commitments, leaving Balochistan’s problems unresolved.
The BNP leader highlighted the province’s complex issues, including demands for development, basic facilities, and constitutional rights. He accused authorities of violating fundamental rights and suppressing dissent, particularly targeting journalists who attempt to expose the region’s challenges. “If a journalist or TV anchor tries to highlight Balochistan’s issues, they are either targeted, forcibly disappeared, or face fabricated cases,” Mengal alleged.
He also criticized the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), claiming that the project has brought corruption and exploitation to Balochistan rather than development. While other provinces have seen infrastructure improvements, Mengal argued that Balochistan continues to suffer from electricity shortages and a lack of basic services.
Mengal announced that he had submitted his resignation as a member of the National Assembly, citing his disillusionment with parliamentary politics. “Whether they accept it or not is their decision. I presented my resignation in front of the media and submitted it to the assembly secretary,” he said. He expressed disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing Balochistan’s issues through provincial, local, and national assemblies.
The BNP chief urged the youth to intensify their struggle for rights and criticized “business-minded politicians” who prioritize financial gains over public welfare. He called for a leadership with a genuine mandate to bring real change to Balochistan.
Mengal’s resignation and outspoken criticism underscore growing discontent with the political system and the challenges facing Balochistan. His remarks have reignited debates about governance, democracy, and the need for meaningful reforms in Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025.
