ISLAMABAD: The leadership of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) condemned a late-night “raid” on the residence of party chairman Akhtar Mengal. The incident occurred at the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad. BNP leaders accused authorities of kidnapping the sons of party senators to coerce the BNP into supporting a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at curbing the judiciary’s powers.
In response, police clarified that the operation was part of a routine security audit related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, with several foreign delegates in the capital. The police emphasized that no raid or harassment took place at the lodges, stating it was a standard security check.
According to a police statement, “In view of some security concerns and complaints, the concerned police officer went to eight to 10 places for investigation and verification.” A police officer informed Dawn that there were reports suggesting Akhtar Mengal might be abroad. During the operation, police found BNP’s Acting President Sajid Tareen at Mengal’s flat and informed him that the raid followed an intelligence report about the possible presence of suspects.
Missing Sons of Senators
Amid this situation, the BNP demanded the safe recovery of the missing sons of Senators Qasim Roonjho and Nasima Ehsan. During a press conference in Quetta, senior BNP leaders alleged that “forced disappearances” were being used as a tool of intimidation to pass bills in parliament. They claimed that authorities in Islamabad believed they could suppress the Baloch people through such tactics.
The BNP leaders stated that the raid on Akhtar Mengal’s lodges confirmed their concerns regarding state harassment. They reported that Senator Roonjho’s home had been raided, and he had been unreachable since the day before. Similarly, they noted that Senator Ehsan’s son had also gone missing.
The party leaders expressed that the raid on Mengal’s residence was part of a decades-long pattern of harassment against the BNP. They insisted that the resignation of their party chief from the National Assembly was also a direct result of this ongoing pressure. Akhtar Mengal had previously resigned from his seat, but his resignation has yet to be officially accepted.
BNP Leaders
During the press conference, the BNP leaders criticized the use of forced disappearances in a democratic state. They stated that the federal government had failed to understand the unique situation in Balochistan. The leaders emphasized that such actions undermine democracy and violate fundamental human rights.
They called on the government to address their concerns seriously and ensure the safety of their missing members. The BNP’s allegations and concerns reflect broader issues regarding state policies and human rights in the region. As the situation unfolds, the BNP continues to seek justice for its members and the Baloch people.
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