Akhtar Mengal has arrived in Pakistan and has decided to contest the next general elections. While his arrival is a healthy sign which would maximize the integrity of the upcoming elections, it also entails few dangerous aspects that are more worrisome. Upon his arrival from Dubai to Karachi airport, Mr. Mengal talked about the right of self determination to be given to Balochistan. After his party’s (BNP) central executive committee meeting, he said that his party had decided to actively take part in the next general elections of May 11, 2013. He also talked about the security agencies’ created security situation against the Baloch nationalists. His clear warning to the security agencies if they tried to play dirty games and his message to hardline Baloch nationalists are of great importance.
Many political parties especially PML(N) played a key role in persuading Akhtar Mengal to take part in upcoming general elections. Now that he has come to Pakistan, many democratic forces would feel relieved as his taking part in the elections would give more legitimacy to the whole election process. However, Mengal’s different statements give a different picture as to his futuristic intentions.
On one hand, Mengal spares no opportunity in criticising the security forces. He blames them of taking sides, and according to him, security forces are bent upon rigging the elections and stealing his mandate. However, on the other hand, despite these reservations and having no level playing field to contest elections, he is taking part in the general elections. He has even ignored calls from the so called hardline nationalists to boycott the elections. This move serves him well and is a win win situation for the Nawab.
Criticizing security forces and blaming them of not being fair, put the security forces under pressure. This pressure might lead them to even act in favour of Mr. Mengal. Because, to give the election process more legitimacy and get the world community’s approval of the fairness of the whole process, it is important that Mengal agrees to the end results. He might get more seats than he actually deserves. This way Mr. Mengal could get to CM house in coalition with either PMLN or PPP. However, if he did not win, even if the process was fair, he is going to blame the security forces of playing the dirty game and rigging the elections. This way he will take the high moral ground and tell the world community that he tried for the last time to somehow go along with Pakistan but it was not possible. The loss of elections might be used as grounds for taking extreme measures and demanding independent Balochistan.
Whether CM house or an independent Balochistan, Nawab saab has nothing to lose. He remains a Nawab and a ruling class no matter what happens. Without a doubt, Balochistan has suffered alot and more should be done for the development of its people. It is the responsibility of each concerned institution that they provide a level playing field to each party. Security forces must not play favourites and or try to obstruct ways for anyone. Let the people decide their fate. We should all pray that whoever comes to power after the next general elections, be it Nawab Akhtar Mengal or any one else, would pay special attention to the poor people of Balochistan and not get busy in playing power politics.
