National Party Demands Resolution of Enforced Disappearances, Greater Provincial Rights at Quetta Gathering

Quetta: The National Party held a large joining ceremony at the Quetta Press Club, where several political figures and workers from various parties announced their decision to join the party alongside hundreds of their supporters and family members.

Among those who joined the National Party were Agha Shah Hussain, General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Makran Division, former BNP-Mengal Vice President Abdul Majeed, former BNP-Mengal leader Sher Ahmed Rind, former BNP-Mengal election candidate Dad Muhammad, BNP-Awami Deputy General Secretary Abdul Waheed, PPP leader Saeedullah, and several other political workers.

Addressing the gathering, former Balochistan Chief Minister and National Party leader Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch said the party had presented proposals to the federal government aimed at improving the situation in Balochistan.

He called for recognition of the people of Balochistan’s democratic rights, an end to alleged interference in elections, and a permanent resolution of the issue of enforced disappearances. He also demanded the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and her associates, urging the authorities to avoid the use of force and adopt dialogue instead.

Dr. Malik further called for merit-based employment opportunities for unemployed youth, transparent implementation of Balochistan’s quota in federal jobs, recognition of the province’s rights over its coastal resources and natural wealth, full implementation of the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Constitutional Amendment, protection of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, removal of restrictions on border trade, abolition of the Fourth Schedule, elimination of unnecessary security checkpoints, government support for students’ educational fees, and strengthening of local government institutions.

He also expressed condolences over the killing of Abdul Hadood, the son of Abdul Ghafoor Rind, and condemned the killing of Waleed Baloch in Panjgur. Referring to the killing of Asma Jatak’s father, Master Inayatullah, in Khuzdar, party leaders strongly condemned the incident.

National Party Secretary General Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi called for the formation of a broader alliance of democratic and political parties in Balochistan. He cautioned against holding tribal or ethnic gatherings that could deepen divisions between Baloch and Pashtun communities.

Speaking on the occasion, National Party’s provincial president Aslam Baloch criticized the country’s political and economic situation, while the party’s deputy parliamentary leader in the Balochistan Assembly, Rahmat Saleh Baloch, questioned the legitimacy of elected representatives he described as beneficiaries of the “Form 47” process.

The ceremony was also addressed by several senior party leaders, lawmakers, and newly joined members, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the National Party’s political presence in Balochistan.