QUETTA: Balochistan’s largest nationalist party has vowed to launch an independent probe of Baloch leader Akbar Bugti’s murder if it comes into power in the May 11 polls.

Chief of the National Party (NP), Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, also announced that an independent commission would take up investigation of the enforced disappearances and missing persons, issues central to the separatist unrest in the insurgency-hit province.

The National Party chief had boycotted the previous general elections held in 2008.

Hundreds of people have died since rebels rose up in 2004 demanding political autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan’s natural oil, gas and mineral resources.

Violations of human rights are widely reported from Balochistan, where the provincial government in 2009 put the figure of ‘missing people’ at about 1,000.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Malik said that investigation of Nawab Bugti’s murder and the recovery of ‘missing persons’ was a major part of his party manifesto. He said that his party would bring the murderers to the book if elected into power in Balochistan.

The NP president said that, over the years, the policies of the ‘rulers’ had worsened the situation in the province, and that such policies have created ‘a gulf’ between Islamabad and Balochistan.

He said that Baloch workers were being picked up and mutilated bodies were still being found.

Malik opposed the use of force in Balochistan and demanded an amicable solution to issues relating to the province.

Baloch nationalist leader Senator Hasil Bizenjo was also present on the occasion.