QUETTA: National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has warned against the transfer of electables, saying it would further deepen the trust deficit already prevalent in the province.

While addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr Baloch, who remained the Balochistan chief minister from 2013 to 2015, opposed the approach of political parties towards Balochistan, stating that the movement of electables from one party to another was sabotaging the political culture.

“The only electable is the public, which has the right and authority to decide,” he said, adding that if people’s right to make decisions is not respected in Balochistan and elections are rigged, the differences between the already detached Balochistan and the federation would deepen.

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Mr Baloch added that the politics of Balochistan should not be thrown into shambles as it will further deepen the trust deficit in the parliament.

“The institutions concerned and the Election Commission of Pakistan should respect the voters’ right to decide who will rule Balochistan,” the ex-CM said and added that Balochistan should be treated as half of Pakistan and not as mere 16 seats in the National Assembly.

While referring to the issues faced by Balochistan, he said they could only be resolved “through meaningful and sincere negotiations”.

He added his party would restart negotiations with exiled and disgruntled Baloch leaders if elected into power, and talks would also be held with those who went on the mountains, a euphemism for Baloch rebels.

The ex-CM said during his last tenure, the National Party took several steps to restore peace, which led to a significant fall in the number of mutilated bodies discovered across the province.

“No issue could be resolved by taking up arms and violence.”

He dismissed reports circulating on social media about awarding party tickets and termed it fake. The National Party will soon announce the names of the ticket holders, he added.

A prominent lawyer, Changez Hayee Baloch, joined the National Party along with his supporters Wadera Nazir Ahmed Khetran, Wafa Murad Soomro and others.

The newly inducted leaders said by joining the National Party, they are advocating for the representation of Balochistan and its marginalised communities.

Dr Baloch welcomed them to the party, expressing hope that Mr Hayee will play his role in the struggle for the due rights of Balochistan, just like his father, the late Dr Abdul Hayee.

National Party leaders, including secretary general Jan Muhammad Buledi, ex-senator Kabir Muhammad Shahi and Yasmeen Lehri, were also present by Mr Baloch’s side during the media talk.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023