During the Asma Jahangir Conference held in Lahore, Balochistan National Party (BNP) Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal emphasized the nationalist nature of all political parties in Pakistan. He asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) all exhibit nationalist tendencies rooted in their respective regional affiliations.
Mengal highlighted the PML-N’s Punjab-centric nationalism, exemplified by slogans like ‘Jag Punjabi Jag’. Similarly, he identified the PPP as a Sindhi nationalist party, frequently engaging in discourse surrounding local, non-local, and domicile issues. Even the PTI, according to Mengal, has adopted nationalist rhetoric under the leadership of figures like Ali Amin Gandapur.
The BNP Mengal chief stressed the importance of political dialogue and negotiation in resolving the issues faced by Balochistan. He advocated for the involvement of non-controversial and courageous individuals in addressing the challenges confronting the province.
Echoing Mengal’s sentiments, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan emphasized the need for nationalist stakeholders in Balochistan to engage in political dialogue. Despite past grievances, Khan urged all parties to adopt a conciliatory approach and soften their stances to facilitate meaningful discussions.
Farooq H. Naik, a leader of the PPP, underscored the significance of political dialogue in addressing the country’s challenges. Naik emphasized that dialogue remains the primary avenue for resolving issues and called for political leaders to engage in constructive conversations with one another.
The Asma Jahangir Conference also featured sessions on gender equality and Afghanistan, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the discussions. These sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and perspectives on critical issues affecting society.
The discourse at the conference underscored the importance of nationalism in Pakistani politics and the role of political dialogue in addressing regional grievances. By recognizing the nationalist undercurrents within various political parties, leaders like Akhtar Mengal shed light on the complex dynamics shaping the country’s political landscape.
Moving forward, it is imperative for political leaders to heed the calls for dialogue and reconciliation, particularly in regions like Balochistan where longstanding grievances persist. Only through genuine engagement and compromise can lasting solutions be found to the challenges facing the nation.
The Asma Jahangir Conference serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Asma Jahangir herself, a champion of human rights and social justice. By continuing to host events that tackle pressing issues and foster dialogue, the conference plays a vital role in advancing the principles of democracy and equality in Pakistan.
