BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal addresses a rally in Quetta. Photo online

QUETTA: President of Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that murder of BNP leader Nawab Amanullah Zehri was political and had nothing to do with tribal conflicts, as he was killed in vengeance for a toppled government.



"We have not given up our integrity for the ministries and positions in the government. Our party leaders and workers have sacrificed their lives for the rights of the people of Balochistan", Sardar Akhtar Mengal said while addressing the public gathering in Quetta's Hockey ground on Sunday.



He said the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) is not just a political party but a name of struggle and determination.



Party workers from all over the province participated in the public gathering which was held in protest against the murder of BNP leader Amanullah Zehri.



Central Secretary General Dr Jahanzaib Jamaldeni, Senior leader Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani, Information Secretary Agha Hassan Baloch, MPA Sanaullah Baloch, Akhtar Langove, Hammal Kalmati, Chairman Baloch Student Organisation Nazeer Baloch also addressed on the occasion.



Sardar Akhtar Mengal lauded Amanullah Zehri and said that they had shared 30 years of political affiliation. “He was offered to leave the party but he stood with us despite all the offers. He remained loyal to the party till his last breath, sacrificed his life and proved that he was a true son of Nawab Noroz and a real asset of the BNP. He fought against injustices to provide rights to his people", Sardar Akhtar Mengal said.



About public gathering in Khuzdar, he said that Amanullah Zehri warned that tribes are being pitted against each other.



"Balochistan National Party truly represents people of the province. Despite sacrifices, the party will continue to raise voice for the voiceless.”



The BNP leader affirmed that no one would be allowed to sell Balochistan’s natural resources or compromise on Balochistan’s shares in development projects.



He said that his party has signed 6 point accord with the PTI and asked the government to make it clear whether they will implement on their six-point agenda or not.



"So far 400 missing persons have been returned to their homes, though I could have earned Chief Minister’s seat for letting this demand go,” BNP president said.



Sardar Akhtar Mengal asserted that people of Balochistan are deprived of basic facilities of health and education.



Speaking on the occasion, senior leader Nawbazada Lashkrai Raisani mentioned that people of Balochistan are united and will continue their struggle for a better future.



"We pay our tribute to the party leaders and workers for their sacrifices. It’s time that we leave personal interests for the benefit of the people,” Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani said.



Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2019.