BNP leader Akhtar Mengal attributes Balochistan’s insurgency to state violence and policies

Akhtar Mengal, the head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), has asserted that the intensification of insurgent activities in Balochistan stems from systematic state violence and unfriendly policies. In an interview with BBC Urdu journalist Sahar Baloch, Mengal revealed that he felt compelled to resign from the National Assembly due to the state’s indifferent attitude and lack of genuine engagement with Balochistan.

When referring to the state, Mengal emphasized that he encompasses all its institutions, including military, civil, political, media, and judiciary, all of which he claims have shown a lack of seriousness toward the issues plaguing Balochistan. This neglect, he argues, led him to his resignation.

Mengal further elaborated that while political manipulation by influential forces in Pakistan may appear to be a recent development, it has been prevalent in Balochistan since the country’s inception. He criticized the installation of “artificial leaders” through such political engineering, who lack any real connection to the local populace.

In response to a question regarding whether the failures of parliamentary political parties created a void that fueled armed resistance, Mengal attributed the growing support for armed struggle in Balochistan to state atrocities and injustices. He remarked that past insurgencies eventually became part of mainstream politics, yet it is the state that continues to deepen the wounds of the Baloch people.

Mengal noted that the current wave of insurgency is driven predominantly by the youth, who have increasingly distanced themselves from traditional leadership. He claimed that the Pakistani state shows no genuine interest in the welfare of the Baloch people, seeking only to exploit the province’s resources, such as those found in Gwadar, Reko Diq, and Saindak.

He suggested that if the state genuinely aims to address the issues at hand, it must recognize Balochistan as a legitimate province rather than treating it like a colony. Future negotiations, he warned, must include discussions with Baloch insurgents in the mountains who are advocating for the region’s independence.

Mengal stressed that the armed resistance in Balochistan is a direct consequence of state operations and violence. He asserted that meaningful solutions cannot be achieved through negotiations with him or Mahrang; instead, the state must engage in dialogue with those insurgents committed to Balochistan’s freedom.