Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), firmly rejected the proposed constitutional amendments that are being discussed in secrecy.
Speaking after a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad, Mengal voiced his concerns about the current political environment, stating, “We cannot negotiate with anyone until our missing members of parliament return.”
He emphasized that the conditions are not suitable for negotiations, especially amid threats overshadowing political discussions.
Mengal criticized the government’s handling of the amendments, declaring, “Constitutional changes are being introduced in a clandestine manner, raising questions about their true authorship.”
Reflecting on the historical context, he noted that after 51 years since the 1973 Constitution was enacted, the sudden need for amendments is perplexing. “What kind of emergency justifies such secretive alterations?” he questioned.
During a press briefing in Islamabad, Mengal lamented the ongoing state of emergency and the government’s disproportionate focus on constitutional amendments while neglecting pressing issues affecting the populace. “The constitution is not a secret document; it should be transparent and accessible to every citizen,” he asserted.
Moreover, he criticized the administration for attempting to obscure the content of the amendments, suggesting that the ruling class may be ashamed to reveal them to the public.
“Political parties and their workers have the right to be informed about the constitution they are governed by,” he stated.
Mengal condemned the reported harassment and abduction of party members, asking, “Is this a democratic process? Such practices have no place in any democratic nation.”
He further questioned whether the amendments originated from the government, its allies, or factions historically opposed to the constitution, labeling these actions as threats to democratic norms.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
