QUETTA: Former Balochistan Chief Minister and President of the National Party, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, has said that the party’s central committee has decided to boycott the Khuzdar by-election, stressing that the transparency of the electoral process has come under serious question across the country.
The decision was announced on the second day of the two-day meeting of the National Party’s Central Committee, held at Muhammad Shahi House in Quetta under the chairmanship of the party president.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Baloch said that the Khuzdar by-election has become controversial due to the hurried announcement of polls without fulfilling constitutional requirements, the fielding of a government-backed candidate, and the rejection of nomination papers of around a dozen candidates. Considering these factors, he said, the National Party decided to boycott the election.
He emphasised that the party believes in the supremacy of its organisational institutions and that all decisions are made through collective consultation. He said transparency in the electoral process is essential for democracy, but unfortunately, the public mandate has been undermined in general elections and by-elections, while practices such as “Form 47” have emerged as one of the worst and most negative developments in the country’s political history.
Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that the National Party’s political narrative is based on the identity of the homeland, the people’s right to sovereignty, and democratic values.
He also said that the politics of compromise pursued by major political parties has collectively harmed democracy. As a result, he added, the dignity of Parliament has been undermined, judicial independence has been restricted, and the media has become a victim of commercialisation and control, while the public has effectively been deprived of its right to vote.
He said the National Party is a democratic political party committed to democratic principles and has always played a positive role in promoting democratic values. He added that democratic circles in the country still consider the National Party’s political philosophy a correct and ideal path.
National Party President stated that the party’s senior leaders adopted the path of democratic struggle, and the National Party considers this struggle the best means to achieve public rights and sovereignty.
He urged political workers to promote comradeship, avoid political alienation, and play an active role, stating that aware and active workers form the foundation of a conscious public movement.
He said the policy of using force in Balochistan is not in anyone’s interest; therefore, political dialogue is essential to resolve issues. He demanded that the government stop placing political workers on the Fourth Schedule and ensure the immediate recovery of missing persons.
He said the National Party will continue its struggle against all undemocratic actions and will further organise and strengthen its political movement until the people’s right to rule is secured.
Several party leaders also addressed the meeting, including Central Secretary General Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad Shahi, Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, MNA Phullain Baloch, Aslam Baloch, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, and others.
