PkMAP Condemns 3 MPO Warrants Against Political Leaders, Calls Move an Attack on Democratic Rights

Quetta: The Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkMAP) has strongly condemned the Balochistan government’s decision to issue warrants under the Balochistan Public Maintenance Ordinance, 1960 (3 MPO) against four political leaders in Ziarat district, describing the move as an attack on fundamental human rights, constitutional freedoms, the rule of law, and democratic values.

In a statement issued from the party’s provincial secretariat, PkMAP alleged that the provincial government was using what it called a “colonial-era black law” to conceal its failure to maintain law and order in the province.

The party said the government and relevant institutions had failed to curb terrorism, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, highway robberies, and other serious crimes, particularly following the recent terrorist incident in Ziarat. It argued that instead of addressing these security challenges, the authorities were targeting peaceful citizens, political activists, tribal elders, social figures, and public representatives through preventive detention laws.

PkMAP maintained that taking action against individuals under the 3 MPO solely on the basis of allegations or suspicions, without transparent legal proceedings and judicial oversight, violates Pakistan’s Constitution, fundamental human rights, and internationally recognized principles of justice.

The statement stressed that if credible evidence exists against any individual, the matter should be pursued through an independent, transparent, and impartial judicial process rather than through what it described as undemocratic and colonial-era legislation.

The party further claimed that the continued use of the 3 MPO, the Fourth Schedule, and other preventive laws against political workers, tribal elders, social leaders, and ordinary citizens—particularly in Pashtun-majority districts—has created fear and uncertainty among the public while undermining democratic processes, constitutional freedoms, and public confidence in state institutions.

PkMAP called on both the federal and provincial governments to immediately withdraw the warrants issued against the four political leaders in Ziarat and end the use of the 3 MPO and other preventive laws against political activists and civilians.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to continue its political and legal struggle for the protection of constitutional, democratic, political, and human rights, stating that it would oppose what it described as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and coercive measures through all available democratic and legal forums.