BNP Demands Reopening of Borders, Condemns Political Reprisals and Economic Hardship in Balochistan

Quetta:Agha Hasan Baloch, Central Secretary for Information of the Balochistan National Party and former federal minister, warned that economic hardship and deprivation in Balochistan are intensifying and accused the provincial rulers—whom he described as operating through “Form-47” measures—of deliberately stoking public anger and wounding local sentiments.

In a statement issued in Quetta, Agha Hasan Baloch criticized what he called sustained propaganda and unethical attacks on party leaders and cultural traditions via social media. He said repeated border closures with neighbouring countries have deprived Baloch and Pashtun communities of their livelihoods, pushing more families into poverty and food insecurity.

The BNP leader also accused authorities of political victimisation against party leaders, including the family of Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, alleging that bogus cases and punitive actions have continued over the past two years. He referenced what he termed long-standing reprisals since the Musharraf era and warned that attempts to marginalize the political ideas associated with Sardar Attaullah Khan Mengal will fail.

Agha Hasan Baloch urged the government to immediately reopen border crossings at Gwadar, Mand, Bela, Panjgur, Mashkail, Taftan, Chaman and other points to restore trade and employment opportunities for the region. He warned that the perceived injustices by coalition partners in the so-called democratic government will not be forgotten by the people.

The BNP called for an end to what it described as political oppression and demanded measures to alleviate economic distress in the province.