Opposition Alliance Calls for Action on Balochistan Crisis with Multi-Party Conference

The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) coalition has called for a multi-party conference to address the escalating crisis in Balochistan. With a major protest planned for Sept 8, they demand a parliamentary session and sharing of recent National Action Plan meeting details. A nationwide protest is also scheduled.

In a move underscoring significant concern about Balochistan's deteriorating situation, opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) has announced a multi-party conference ahead of a significant public meeting scheduled for September 8, according to Dawn. The coalition has urged the National Assembly Speaker to convene a special session to discuss the crisis, vowing to continue with their planned protest regardless of obstacles.

TTAP leaders have called for transparency regarding the recent National Action Plan apex committee meeting in Balochistan, with the details to be shared with the opposition, as reported by Dawn. The high-level meeting, chaired by notable political figures including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub Khan and Zain Qureshi, and BNP-Mengal leader Sajid Tareen, took place at Sardar Latif Khosa's residence.

A committee led by Sahibzada Hamid Raza was formed to oversee the proposed multi-party conference. PTI leader Asad Qaiser emphasized the necessity of the MPC to address concerns of the Baloch population. He criticized the government's lack of interest in the matter, which he claimed contributed to BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal's resignation from the assembly. TTAP's plans also include nationwide public meetings, culminating in a significant protest.

Qaiser highlighted the current legislative inefficacy, with senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa criticizing government priorities amid inflation and economic struggles. An additional public meeting is set for September 22 in Lahore, drawing supporters from 12 opposition parties, according to PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan.

Pakistan has seen a marked increase in terrorist incidents, with 59 attacks in August 2024, up from 38 in July, resulting in 84 deaths and 166 injuries, reported Dawn, citing data from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies. The majority of these attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where the Balochistan Liberation Army launched a coordinated assault on August 26, causing widespread casualties and tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)