KHUZDAR: Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that the families of ‘missing persons’ returned to Quetta from Islamabad, disappointed with the federal government’s response to their demands, for which they had staged a month-long sit-in in front of the National Press Club.

       Speaking at a public meeting during his party’s election campaign in the Ornach area of Khuzdar district, Mr Mengal mentioned that the Baloch marchers could not forget the police mistreatment with them and the federal government’s indifference.

       The gathering was a joint event of BNP-Mengal and JUI-F, who formed an election alliance for National Assembly and three Provincial Assembly seats from Khuzdar district. Maulana Qamardddin, a former MNA of JUI-F, and other leaders also addressed the public meeting.

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       Mr Mengal, who also served as the chief minister of Balochistan, said the protest exposed the seriousness of the state in resolving the issue.

       “Women, children, and elderly individuals did not go there for political gain but to seek the recovery of their loved ones. Many years ago, Dr Din Mohammad Baloch, a duty doctor residing near the police station in Ornach, was abducted, and despite the passage of time, he remains missing. His daughter has been protesting in Quetta, Karachi, and Islamabad for years,” Mr Mengal said.

       While talking about his party, Mr Mengal said that Balochistan National Party represented all ethnic groups in the province, avoiding politics limited to a single district or seat.

       He further noted that those involved in single-seat politics remained silent, because they did not want to displease powers that be.

       The BNP president said, “When the rally set out from Turbat, our party workers and leaders were with them, facing FIRs. Those claiming to represent the Baloch nation and nationalists were notably absent.”

       “I am not personally contesting the elections from all over Balochistan, but the love and support of the people for our party is overwhelming. I have visited Makran, Bela, and Awaran, where enthusiasm of the people is commendable,” Mr Mengal said.

       Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024