Nawab Aslam Khan Raisani: “Pakistan’s Progress Depends on Acknowledging Rights of All Federating Units
Mastung:Chief of Sarawan and Member of Provincial Assembly **Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani** emphasized that Pakistan’s future depends on the recognition of the rights of all its federating units. He stated that until the rights of federating provinces, including Balochistan, are acknowledged and the issue of enforced disappearances is resolved, the situation in the country will not improve. He asserted that using force to improve conditions is ineffective.
Raisani made these remarks while addressing a tea party hosted in honor of the newly-elected members of the **Sarawan Press Club Mastung** at **Sarawan House** in Quetta. During the event, Raisani was joined by prominent figures including **Noabzada Mir Rais Raisani**, **Mir Moladad Mohammad Shahee**, **Faiz Jan Durrani**, **Faisal Baqi**, and senior journalists such as **Ataullah Baloch**, **Abdul Hakim Baloch**, and **Shabbir Ahmed Khilji**.
Raisani discussed the **current domestic, regional, and international issues**, stating that for the country to progress, it is vital that the rights of all provinces be recognized. He emphasized that Pakistan is a multi-ethnic country, where each ethnic group has its own identity and culture. He highlighted the growing issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, stating that without addressing this, peace and stability will remain elusive.
He also referred to **Balochistan’s history**, stating that before the creation of Pakistan, Balochistan was an independent state. **Mir Ahmad Yar Khan**, the Khan of Kalat, signed an agreement with **Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah** in 1947, which led to Balochistan joining Pakistan. Raisani called for this historic agreement to be acknowledged and included in the **Constitution of Pakistan**.
The Chief of Sarawan further emphasized that no part of Balochistan should be occupied or developed without the consent of its people, as agreed upon during the **Pakistan-Balochistan** accession agreement. He criticized the lack of implementation of this agreement and said that it has led to a sense of disenfranchisement in the province.
Additionally, Raisani expressed concerns over the role of the establishment in weakening the federation. He noted that while neighboring India has become one of the world’s largest economies, Afghanistan, despite enduring decades of conflict, is witnessing rapid growth due to sound policies, whereas Pakistan continues to stagnate due to ineffective governance.
Regarding development in **Mastung**, Raisani announced that significant investments have been made in health, education, and infrastructure, and assured that he would continue to serve the region, regardless of caste, creed, or background. He also revealed plans to meet with the **Chief of KESCO** and **GM Sui Southern Gas Company** to address the pressing issues of electricity and gas supply in Mastung, and will work with local journalists to resolve these fundamental concerns.
