Akhtar Mengal, Chairman of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), has expressed discontent with appointing Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar as the interim prime minister.
In a direct letter to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Mengal mentioned that such choices had driven a wedge between their parties. The nomination has surprised many, especially since Kakar, a Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) member, was not a prominent figure in the national political arena.
BNP-M’s Stance on Military and Establishment
Mengal’s letter also highlighted a broader concern about the PML-N’s inclination towards the military establishment. He emphasized that solutions should be discussed with politicians rather than relying heavily on the establishment. The BNP-M leader reminded PML-N of the past transgressions by military-led regimes and accused them of overlooking the unconstitutional activities of former military heads.
Criticism of Outgoing Government’s Decisions
Mengal didn’t hold back on expressing his grievances with some of the outgoing government’s choices. He emphasized the irony of constructing the Pak-China Gwadar University in Lahore when Balochistan desperately needs higher education institutions. Mengal also questioned the rationale behind renaming the Gwadar airport after Feroz Khan Noon, as many in Balochistan might not even recognize his name. Furthermore, Mengal pointed out discrepancies in the recent census, highlighting a significant reduction in the recorded population of Balochistan, which has also raised eyebrows among other political parties.
In closing, Mengal stressed the importance of including allies in major decisions to foster trust, hinting at the growing distrust between the parties involved.
