JUI-F offers mediation amid Balochistan political crisis; BNP-M, allies aeject Govt legitimacy
In the midst of a political deadlock in Balochistan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has stepped forward to mediate between the provincial government and the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M). The deadlock stems from a two-week-long protest by BNP-M over the detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other female activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
A JUI-F delegation led by Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and Senator Maulana Wasay met with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday. The meeting focused on law and order issues and the ongoing protest in the Lakpass area. Despite earlier government efforts and multiple rounds of negotiations with BNP-M leader Akhtar Mengal, no resolution has been reached. CM Bugti welcomed JUI-F’s offer to mediate and emphasized the importance of dialogue for political stability.
Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including BNP-M, PTI, PkMAP, and BNP-Awami, held a joint press conference in Quetta rejecting the legitimacy of the provincial government. They accused it of being formed through electoral manipulation with establishment backing and condemned recent PPP statements targeting BNP-M leadership. BNP-M leaders also denounced central government control over provincial mineral resources and pledged resistance.
BNP-M President Akhtar Mengal, speaking at the Lakpass sit-in, fiercely criticized the PPP for past and present actions against the Baloch people. He challenged PPP leaders to match the resolve of the protesters and accused both PPP and PML-N of ignoring the sit-in and prioritizing power over justice.
The protest continues amid growing political tensions, with calls for provincial rights and constitutional protections gaining momentum.
