National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has warned that the situation in Balochistan could worsen if serious steps are not taken to resolve the province’s problems through a political approach. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, the former chief minister said the conflict in the province is political in nature and can only be settled through political means.
He noted that the situation has reached a critical stage where neither the security forces nor resistance groups appear ready for dialogue. Dr Malik urged all stakeholders, especially political parties, to play their part in reducing tensions and preventing further bloodshed. He shared that the National Party had already presented a 17-point agenda to the federal government to address longstanding political, economic and administrative issues in Balochistan.
The NP leader also rejected the idea of creating new provinces, saying such a step under the current circumstances would only complicate Pakistan’s challenges rather than solve them. During the same event, Quetta resident Mir Ahmed Mari joined the National Party along with supporters from around 60 families.
In Islamabad, NP Punjab President Ayub Malik stressed that a lasting solution to the Balochistan crisis cannot come through force alone. He called for immediate political dialogue, constitutional rights, equal representation and economic justice. Speaking to party leaders, workers, journalists and civil society members, he said the people of Punjab may not fully understand the hardships faced by residents of Balochistan for decades.
Ayub Malik highlighted that Pakistan is a federation of different nations, languages, cultures and regions, and its real strength lies in this diversity. He demanded the restoration of scholarships and fee concessions for students from Balochistan, calling education essential for bringing youth into the national mainstream. He also raised concerns about industrial development and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying the benefits of major projects must reach the local people.
NP Quetta President Mir Attaullah Baloch said that despite difficult and dangerous conditions, the party has continued its commitment to parliamentary and democratic politics. He noted that political workers and candidates faced extreme challenges during the 2024 general elections. Senior journalist Nasir Zaidi welcomed the presence of NP leaders in Islamabad and underlined the value of interaction between political workers and the media for strengthening progressive democratic thought.
