The Provincial Minister of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Balochistan, Sadiq Umarani, has accused Akhtar Khan Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M), of supporting terrorists, calling him a ‘scourge’ and an enemy of the Baloch nation. Umarani further warned that if the truth about Mengal’s activities was revealed, he would no longer be able to show his face.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta on Thursday, alongside other provincial ministers, Sadiq Umarani stated that Mengal was acting like the self proclaimed leader of Union Council, Sheikh Mujib, who alternates between raising six-point demands, addressing issues in Balochistan, and supporting terrorists. Umarani also condemned Mengal’s previous comments against PPP, asserting that the party had always used respectful language, while Mengal’s criticism was divisive and inflammatory.
The PPP leader emphasized that while Mengal continued to engage in behind-the-scenes talks with the Balochistan government, PPP remains committed to eradicating terrorism in the province. “We have always sacrificed for the country, and we come to power through the people’s support. Mengal’s party is limited to a single Union Council, and yet he supports terrorists while hiding his face like a coward,” Umarani remarked.
Umarani also pointed out the pivotal role of Benazir Bhutto and PPP in making Pakistan a nuclear power, recalling that despite being exiled and facing threats to her life, Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan to fulfill her mission. He added that PPP had never engaged in cowardly politics. In contrast, Umarani accused Mengal of failing to bring any developmental work to Balochistan despite receiving significant funds during the tenure of the previous governments, including a controversial deal with Imran Khan’s administration.
“We are not afraid of terrorists nor will we back down in our efforts to eliminate terrorism. We are open to talks with all political parties for peace,” Umarani said. He warned that if Mengal did not control his rhetoric, he would be given a taste of his own medicine.
This statement comes amidst rising tensions between PPP and BNP-M over allegations of misconduct, as both parties continue to engage in a political battle over the future of Balochistan.
