The recent resignation of Akhtar Mengal, a prominent Baloch leader and head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), from Pakistan’s National Assembly has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Mengal’s decision to step down is a powerful protest against what he describes as the federal government’s persistent neglect of Balochistan’s issues. This resignation is not just a personal decision but a stark reminder of the deep-rooted problems that have long plagued Pakistan’s largest and most underdeveloped province.
Akhtar Mengal’s resignation did not come out of the blue. It was the culmination of years of frustration with the federal government’s indifference to Balochistan’s plight. In his resignation speech, Mengal articulated the grievances that have been simmering for decades. “Balochistan has been treated as a colony, not as an integral part of Pakistan,” Mengal declared. “We have been raising our issues for years, but nobody in Islamabad seems to care. Our people are disappearing, our resources are being exploited, and our voices are being silenced.”
Mengal’s resignation was not just a protest but a symbol of the widening chasm between Balochistan and the federal government. It highlighted the disconnect that exists between the province’s leaders and the central authorities, who have historically been accused of exploiting Balochistan’s resources while neglecting its development and security needs.
Balochistan, despite being the largest province in terms of area, remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in Pakistan. It has long been plagued by poverty, illiteracy, and a lack of basic infrastructure. The province’s natural resources, particularly its vast reserves of natural gas, have been exploited for the benefit of the rest of the country, while Balochistan itself has seen little in the way of economic development.
This sense of exploitation has fueled resentment among the Baloch people, leading to repeated insurgencies and a cycle of violence that has further alienated the province from the federal government. The issue of “missing persons”—Baloch activists and intellectuals who have allegedly been abducted by state security forces—has only deepened the mistrust. Mengal has been a vocal critic of these disappearances, often citing them as evidence of the state’s disregard for Balochistan’s human rights.
“Balochistan has been bleeding for decades,” Mengal said in a recent interview. “Our people are being taken away in the dead of night, our resources are being looted, and yet, the federal government acts as if everything is fine. This cannot continue.”
The Response from Balochistan’s Leadership
Mengal’s resignation has been met with support from other leaders in Balochistan, who share his frustration with the federal government’s lack of action on key issues. A senior Baluchistan leader echoed Mengal’s sentiments, saying, “Akhtar Mengal’s resignation is a reflection of the despair felt by the people of Balochistan. For years, we have been asking for our rights, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The government needs to wake up and address our concerns before it’s too late.”
Similarly, another prominent Baloch leader expressed his disillusionment with the central government. “The situation in Balochistan is dire,” he stated. “We have been marginalized for far too long. Akhtar Mengal’s resignation should serve as a wake-up call for Islamabad. The federal government must engage with Balochistan’s leadership and address the genuine grievances of the Baloch people.”
The support for Mengal’s resignation among Balochistan’s political leaders indicates a growing consensus that the province’s issues cannot be resolved without meaningful dialogue and concrete actions from the federal government. The continued neglect of Balochistan’s needs could have serious consequences for the stability of the province and, by extension, the entire country.
The Federal Government’s Response
The federal government’s response to Mengal’s resignation has been tepid at best. While some officials have expressed regret over his decision, there has been little indication that the government is prepared to take significant steps to address the underlying issues in Balochistan.
A government spokesperson, when asked about Mengal’s resignation, said, “We regret Mr. Mengal’s decision to leave the National Assembly. The federal government remains committed to the development of Balochistan and is willing to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve any outstanding issues.”
However, such statements do little to assuage the concerns of Balochistan’s leaders, who see them as mere lip service. The lack of tangible action from the federal government has only deepened the sense of alienation in Balochistan.
Akhtar Mengal’s resignation is a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history. It underscores the urgent need for the federal government to reevaluate its approach to Balochistan and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the province’s leadership. The continued neglect of Balochistan’s issues could have far-reaching consequences, not just for the province but for the entire country.
Balochistan’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. The province is home to the Gwadar Port, a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is central to Pakistan’s economic future. The instability in Balochistan, fueled by the federal government’s neglect, poses a serious threat to the success of CPEC and to Pakistan’s broader economic interests.
Moreover, the alienation of Balochistan’s people from the federal government could lead to further unrest and violence in the province. The insurgencies in Balochistan have already cost countless lives and have severely disrupted the province’s development. If the federal government fails to address the root causes of these conflicts, the situation could deteriorate even further.
A Call for Action
Akhtar Mengal’s resignation from the National Assembly is a powerful reminder of the deep-seated issues that continue to plague Balochistan. It is a call to action for the federal government to finally address the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people. This requires more than just rhetoric; it requires a genuine commitment to development, human rights, and political dialogue.
The federal government must recognize that the stability of Balochistan is crucial for the stability of Pakistan as a whole. By addressing Balochistan’s issues with the seriousness they deserve, the government can help to heal the wounds of the past and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Pakistanis.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
