Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal has raised serious concerns about 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 forces rather than democratic principles. Mengal 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.
The BNP leader 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. Mengal criticized successive governments for prioritizing their own survival over addressing Balochistan’s challenges, such as the lack of basic facilities and constitutional rights.
Reflecting on past political alliances, Mengal noted that movements like the MRD and ARD were temporary arrangements aimed at achieving specific goals. However, once these objectives were met, major stakeholders abandoned their commitments, leaving Balochistan’s issues unresolved. He emphasized that the province’s problems have grown more complex, with demands now extending to concerns about unconstitutional actions and human rights violations.
Mengal condemned the targeting of journalists who attempt to highlight Balochistan’s issues, alleging that they face fabricated cases, forced disappearances, or other forms of intimidation. He criticized the authorities for ignoring the province’s deteriorating situation despite being fully aware of the crisis.
The BNP chief also expressed dissatisfaction with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), claiming that the project has brought corruption and exploitation to Balochistan rather than development. He pointed out that while other provinces have benefited from infrastructure projects like motorways and power plants, Balochistan continues to suffer from electricity shortages, with power being imported from Iran.
Mengal accused the government of enforcing draconian laws to suppress public freedoms, comparing the current governance style to martial law regimes of the past. He announced his resignation from the National Assembly, citing the “prevailing situation in Balochistan” as the reason. While his resignation has been submitted, its acceptance remains pending.
Expressing disillusionment with parliamentary politics, Mengal stated that he has tested provincial, local, and national assemblies but found no real solutions for Balochistan’s problems. He urged the youth to intensify their struggle for rights and criticized “business-minded politicians” for prioritizing profits over public welfare.
Mengal reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fighting for Balochistan’s rights, emphasizing that only a leadership with the people’s mandate can bring meaningful change. He highlighted the lack of basic facilities such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water in the province, calling for a renewed focus on addressing these critical issues.
