BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal

This is really good news. If the democracy is allowed to flourish in the country & people have faith in national institutions most issues facing the country can be resolve.

BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal | Pakistan | DAWN.COM

KARACHI: Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal Tuesday said his party will actively participate in the May 11 general elections.

Speaking to media representatives after chairing a meeting of the party’s Executive Committee at his residence, he said the BNP-M is a democratic party and it believes in democratic process.

However, Mengal said they will contest the elections keeping in mind “apprehensions about the rights of the Baloch people.” He said the Chief Election Commissioner has been conveyed about his party’s reservations.

Mengal said, “If we are elected to power, we will take oath under the Constitution of Pakistan.”

The BNP-M chief said a five-member committee has been formed for the preparation of manifesto and distribution of tickets. This committee will decide about electoral alliance with other political parties, he added.

He, however, said talks have not been held with any political party for electoral alliance so far.

On the occasion, Malik Karim Dad, Muhammad Hasni, Malik Rehmatullah Notezai, former district nazim Mir Muhammad Hashim Notezai and others in the leadership of Haji Mir Muhammad Anwar Notezai, who belongs to Chagai district of Balochistan, announced their joining in the BNP-Mengal.

Re: BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal

I do not have a problem with nationalist parties as long as they abide by the law of the land and resort to peaceful means. Bugti for instance was trying to create a state within a state which is completely unacceptable

Re: BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal

^^^ Yes, I agree with you. Btw, even Bugti was not for separation of Baluchistan from Pakistan, and his son I think is contesting elections. So, that is a good news, too. If people have faith ballots they will not resort to bullets.

Re: BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal

Bugti's son may be contesting his seat now but it is also a fact that before Musharraf ordered force against Bugti, his people were destroying state property, damaging gas pipelines etc. ... and he was Aitchison and Oxford-educated! proof that education even cannot change feudal mentality

Re: BNP-M to actively participate in May 11 polls: Mengal

A positive development definitely. Though I am sure that once the elections are over, they will term the elections as sham. But still a good news from the restive province. Having said that, while it's good to know that the Baloch nationalists have taken a step in the right direction, but it's sad to note that the state of Pakistan has done absolutely nothing to address their grievances.