ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly today [May 25] echoed with expressions of grave concern over the present situation in Baluchistan, strong criticism of the policy of the Central Government and the actions of Governor Akbar Bugti in the province, and warnings that attempts to settle political issues through military operations might lead to a situation similar to the one which had resulted in the fall of East Pakistan.

During the heat of the debate threats were hurled at each other… . A tribal member, Malik Jahangir Khan, who had yesterday asserted that it was a matter “between us and Baluchis”, again repeated that “we will take revenge” for the jawans of the Civil Armed units, who had been killed during the recent operation there. However, he balanced the threat by declaring that the Baluchi people were “our brothers”… .

… The former Baluchistan Governor, Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo … alleged that a state of confrontation was being created artificially in the province. … Reiterating that the people of Baluchistan were as loyal to Pakistan as the people of any other province, he resented that … the ruling party was pursuing a policy which was fraught with grave danger to the integrity of Pakistan. — Special Representative

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2023