Political Unrest in Balochistan: A Call for Unity and Action
On September 8, Balochistan’s major political parties are gearing up for a province-wide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike. This action follows a devastating suicide attack targeting a rally of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in Quetta, which tragically claimed the lives of at least 17 people, leaving many more injured. The attack, which occurred near Sariab Road, has ignited a wave of outrage and sorrow across the province.
A press conference in Quetta united prominent political leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan, BNP-M head Sardar Akhtar Mengal, and others, all voicing their condemnation of the attack. Achakzai didn’t hold back, calling it a "crime against humanity." His poignant reminder from the Holy Quran emphasized that killing an innocent person is akin to killing all mankind. He questioned the motives behind targeting the youth and stressed that they would continue to advocate for their democratic rights despite the threats they face.
Mengal labeled the explosion a deliberate attempt to stifle political movements, declaring that they won’t be intimidated. He criticized the authorities for their inaction despite prior knowledge of potential dangers and pointed out the media’s failure to give adequate attention to the loss of life compared to other issues.
In a rising call for solidarity, Mengal urged traders, transporters, and community members to lend their support to the protest. National Party leader Kabir Muhammad warned that the voices of the people are being overshadowed in favor of federal interests. He highlighted the ongoing handover of Balochistan’s natural resources and coastline to the federal government, a point raising alarm among local communities.
The mood was somber yet defiant. PTI’s Dawood Shah Kakar criticized the local government’s legitimacy, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. Allama Vilayat Hussain Jafari from Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen echoed similar sentiments, affirming that tyranny never prevails.
As leaders across the spectrum called for unity, the press conference concluded with special prayers for the victims. A collective promise was made to strategize post-protest for a clearer vision of political engagement in the province.
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