BNP Leader Criticizes Crackdown on Books and Political Discussions in Balochistan

Khusdaar:Mir Raf Mengal, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) and former MNA, has condemned the recent crackdown in Gwadar where dozens of education-friendly individuals were arrested and cases were filed for selling and buying books. He termed the action as an expression of ignorance and hostility towards education. Mengal also expressed astonishment over the imposition of restrictions on political discussions and the teaching of politics in universities, calling it a regressive move.

In his statement, Mengal criticized the provincial and federal government’s approach, suggesting that they are pushing Balochistan towards an authoritarian, feudal-like rule, reminiscent of Mughal governance. He argued that such outdated policies cannot work in the modern, scientific, and politically aware world. Mengal emphasized that in today’s globalized and informed world, a society can only thrive if it has access to education, knowledge, and political awareness, and if it embraces modern scientific and technological advancements.

He lamented that in Balochistan, after operations resulting in mutilated bodies, enforced disappearances, and arrests, the latest crackdown on books, pens, and the restriction of political debate in universities is an unprecedented and alarming development. He argued that stifling education and political discourse only leads to a dead-end, turning the political system into a stagnant, authoritarian regime.

Mengal further pointed out that without education, knowledge, and political engagement, a society cannot progress. He called for the immediate cessation of anti-democratic and anti-political experiments in Balochistan and urged that the province’s political issues be addressed democratically. He also highlighted the futility of trying to suppress information in the age of social media, where connections and knowledge flow freely, suggesting that such oppressive measures will only lead to embarrassment for the rulers and fail to stop the spread of information.

He concluded by asserting that no society can progress without access to education, knowledge, and political participation, and called for an end to the restrictions on free thought in Balochistan.