LAHORE:
Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, a central leader of the National Party, lamented on Friday that Baluchistan’s democratic commitment continues to be reimbursement with betrayal and silence.
He accused the federal system of treating the province as a “state stepson.”
Speaking at the Lahore Press Club, Buledi vehemently exploded the historical and continuous injustices faced by Baluchistan, adding that the people of the province have made a prolonged and sincere contribution to democratic development in Pakistan, but they are still neglected.
“This democracy that we see today is the result of decades of political struggle,” he said. “But our federal system has not been able to respect the political, economic and cultural rights of the nations residing in this region.”
Busti said that a particular mentality in the country has repeatedly tried to suppress and deny the existence of different national identities, their languages, cultures and history. “This same mentality led to the disintegration of Pakistan in 1971,” he added.
He pointed out that the successive civil governments, which operate under a majority rule mentality and a bureaucratic system that is not willing to accommodate diversity, has even more alienated Baluchistan.
“Our establishment believes that a presidential system is more adequate and even wants to divide the country into 32 or 48 provinces. This is a long data battle,” said Busti, accusing the military of repeatedly undermining democracy during their periods in power.
“If Pakistan must remain stable and united, the existence of his nations must be recognized, his control over the respected natural resources and the country must be executed within the constitutional limits,” he said.
Buledi said that, although Parliament exists and there is a parliamentary system, neither the media nor the public enjoy true freedom of expression. “The PDM was formed to end institutional interference and guarantee free and fair elections, and that remains the only way to solve problems, including those of Baluchistan.”
He also criticized politicians for making commitments once in power. “Baloch’s problem has become so chronic that he has reached a critical state. Baloch’s leadership has tried again and again explain the concerns of the province of Islamabad, but we only see ourselves like 16 seats in the assembly.”
“Two days ago, a political market was held in Islamabad, where Baluchistan was sold,” he said about recent political developments.
