The head of the Balochistan National Party, (BNP) Akhtar Mengal, has stated that the intensification of insurgency in Balochistan is a result of State violence and policies.
In an interview with BBC Urdu journalist Sahar Baloch, Akhtar Mengal said that he was compelled to resign from the National Assembly due to the State’s attitude and lack of seriousness.
Mengal explained that when he refers to the State, he includes all its institutions—whether military, civil, political, media, or judiciary. Their lack of seriousness and disregard for Balochistan has forced him to resign from the assembly.
He added that while political engineering by powerful forces may have only recently begun in Pakistan, it has been ongoing in Balochistan since the establishment of the country. Artificial leaders are installed through political engineering, who have no connection with the people.
In response to a question from Sahar Baloch about whether the failure of parliamentary political parties created a vacuum on the ground that provided an opportunity for those who believe in armed resistance, Mengal said that the increase in support for armed resistance in Balochistan is due to State atrocities, violence, and injustices.
Mengal stated that previous insurgencies in Balochistan eventually became part of mainstream politics. It is the State that is exacerbating the wounds of the Baloch people.
He mentioned that the current insurgency in Balochistan is in the hands of the youth, and the Baloch youth have slipped away from their control.
Mengal said that Pakistan, as a state, has no interest in the Baloch people; it only desires the province’s resources, such as Gwadar, Reko Diq, and Saindak.
In response to a question, Mengal suggested that if the state truly seeks to resolve the issues seriously, it should recognize Balochistan as a province. Until now, Balochistan has been treated like a colony, and any future negotiations or discussions would have to be with the Baloch insurgents in the mountains who advocate for Balochistan’s independence.
Mengal further noted that the armed resistance in Balochistan is a result of State operations and violence. If a solution is sought, it cannot be achieved through negotiations with him or Mahrang. The state will need to engage in dialogue with the insurgents in the mountains who are advocating for Balochistan’s freedom.