GWADAR: While advising the government and armed insurgents in the province to come to the negotiating table to resolve their issues, National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said: “Without negotiations, the Baloch will face loss.”

Speaking at a public meeting in Kalatok area of Kech district, held in connection with the second death anniversary of party’s late President Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, he said state institutions and armed Baloch insurgents should sit down and resolve their longstanding issues through talks.

He paid tribute to Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo and said his struggle for the upholding of democracy, Constitution and rule of law would be remembered forever. He said the late Mr Bizenjo never compromised on the rights of oppressed nations and specially Baloch and Balochistan.

He said the NP believed in democracy and adopted the path of democratic political struggle as blocking the democratic struggle always benefits undemocratic forces. He said the country was facing a serious political and economic crisis.

“Pakistan has become a security state while our party is struggling to make Pakistan a democratic welfare state,” the NP chief said.

He criticised the performance of the provincial government and alleged it was also involved in sealing Reko Diq deal against the interests of Balochistan as other governments did in the past regarding Saindak Cooper-Cum-Gold Project and PPL.

He said he was ready to accept any punishment if he was involved in any wrongdoing related to the Reko Diq agreement.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2022