Political Reconciliation Has Eroded Public Trust, Says Former Senator Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani

Islamabad:Veteran politician and former senator Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Khan Raisani has said that political parties, in an effort to sustain their existence, have chosen the path of reconciliation, which has led to a deep trust deficit between the people, political parties, and the parliament. Speaking at an All Parties Conference organized by the Awami National Party in Islamabad on Sunday, Raisani said the parliament has become completely ineffective and holds no real authority, while a severe political and social vacuum has emerged in the country.

He emphasized that political parties can fill this vacuum only through **self-accountability**. “The issue of Balochistan has always been misrepresented, resulting in increased crises, insecurity, corruption, and illiteracy,” he said.

Raisani further highlighted that Baloch and Pashtun communities have historically played a pivotal role in shaping this land, referencing figures such as **Mirwais Nika, Ahmad Shah Abdali, and Noori Naseer Khan**. “Today, the people of Swat and Malakand are being displaced, and the constitutional rights of the people of Balochistan have been snatched,” he added.

He criticized political parties for claiming to support people’s rights while lacking the courage to speak the truth. He rejected the notion that the Balochistan issue is purely class-based, stating:

> “If it’s a class issue, why hasn’t it been solved under middle-class governments?”

Raisani said he does not speak in defense of tribal leaders but as an ordinary Baloch who values national identity, history, and rights. He accused the **state and its institutions** of fueling internal conflicts instead of resolving real issues. “Since 1954, Sui gas has been looted. If dues are calculated, the federation owes Balochistan over **1 trillion rupees**. From the Zia-ul-Haq era till now, the Saindak reserves have also been ruthlessly exploited,” he noted.

Speaking on **CPEC**, Raisani said:

> “While political parties discussed the Western Route, they failed to stand up for the **Baloch right to ownership**.”

He revealed that in 2021, a secretive agreement was made on **Reko Diq** in a closed session of the Balochistan Assembly, yet the deal has not been made public. He called on parliamentarians to question the government about job creation under CPEC and the exploitation of coastal and natural resources.

He also expressed serious concern over the **internet blackout in Makran Division**, which has been ongoing for years, stating that this has further alienated the people.

Finally, Raisani condemned the **Election Commission** for contributing to the political decline, along with the political parties that compromised for short-term gains.
He warned that **fake leaders, fake elections, and fake representation** will not bring peace to Balochistan. Instead, he urged implementation of the **1948 agreement** between Khan of Kalat, Ahmad Yar Khan, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah to restore trust and constitutional order.

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