A Baloch nationalist leader Mir Javed Mengal has voiced his dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s current “controlled democratic” and parliamentary structure, asserting that it has consistently failed to secure Baloch rights.
In his recent statement, Mengal contends that numerous attempts within this system have proven ineffective in addressing the grievances of Balochistan, and he underscores the need to confront the challenges posed by the military’s dominance.
Mengal emphasizes that Balochistan-centric parties must come to terms with the reality of Pakistan’s non-democratic military influence, which he argues has impeded the region’s political, economic, and national rights. He contends that the status quo hampers the preservation of Balochistan’s identity, resources, and recognition. He argues that such parties must recognize that “Balochistan is under forceful control and the region is occupied.”
The Baloch leader goes on to criticize federal parties in Pakistan for allegedly prioritizing Punjab’s interests and offering support to military operations in Balochistan. He accuses them of maintaining silence on alleged human rights violations and justifying what he terms as “military cruelty”, all in an effort to perpetuate their own power.
Furthermore, Mengal highlights the exploitation of Balochistan’s, Sindh’s, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources for economic gain. He expresses concern over agreements with foreign countries and multinational corporations that exclude input from the Baloch people, and thus erode their trust.
Reflecting on history, Mengal traces the origins of military control in Balochistan back to 1948, suggesting that this perception of control continues to shape the region’s dynamics. He points out that Baloch leaders’ past involvement in parliamentary politics during the 1970s yielded unsatisfactory results, prompting a reevaluation of the existing framework’s suitability for Balochistan’s concerns.
Mengal’s criticism extends to the appointment of a “puppet” Prime Minister from Balochistan by state institutions, which he characterizes as a superficial attempt to project a democratic image. He condemns the current Prime Minister for his alleged indifference to human rights violations and oppressive policies.
In his statement , Mengal sheds light on the sequence of military policies affecting Balochistan, providing a historical context for the challenges faced by Balochistan-centric movements.