Mengal seeks fair probe as sit-in enters third day

Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-M), has called for a transparent investigation into the killing of policemen in Ziarat, accusing the government of failing to offer lasting solutions to the region's persistent violence. Addressing a sit-in protest organized by the families of the slain officers, Mengal questioned the efficacy of the justice system in Balochistan, pointing to the lack of independent inquiries into the Ziarat attack and similar incidents.

Mengal asserted that the state's apparent lack of faith in its own institutions is a significant national tragedy. He highlighted past failed experiments in Balochistan, such as the abolition and subsequent merger of the Levies force with the police, as evidence of ineffective governance. According to Mengal, the government resorts to forming committees and sending representatives rather than implementing sustainable solutions, thereby misleading the public.

The BNP leader emphasized that a state where speaking truth is deemed a crime and demanding rights is treated as an offense cannot endure. He contrasted Pakistan's situation with other countries where governments are held accountable even for the death of a single individual, noting the lack of accountability in Pakistan despite numerous tragedies. Mengal suggested that genuine empathy from those in power would involve resigning and standing with the victims.

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A state where speaking the truth is considered a crime and demanding one’s rights is treated as an offence cannot survive for long.

He further alleged that oppression and injustice against the people of Balochistan have persisted since the state's inception. Mengal accused rulers of prioritizing Balochistan's gas, minerals, and natural resources while remaining indifferent to the hardships faced by its inhabitants. He claimed that the rights and lives of the Baloch and Pashtun people have been neglected while the province's resources are exploited. Mengal also alleged the past use of armed groups and unlawful tactics to suppress the local population.

Meanwhile, the sit-in protest entered its third day. A government delegation, including the Home Minister, Health Minister, and Deputy Commissioner Quetta, held negotiations with the protestors. The demonstrators occupied Koila Phatak Chowk with seven bodies, while 12 other bodies of police personnel were also present.

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The rulers were interested in Balochistan’s gas, minerals, and natural resources but remained indifferent to the hardships faced by its people.