QUETTA: The All Parties Conference (APC) organized by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) passed nine resolutions in a joint declaration, calling for the implementation of constitutional safeguards related to the 1948 Instrument of Accession of Balochistan to Pakistan and urging a national-level dialogue to resolve longstanding issues.
The APC, convened by the BNP, was held on Monday at the protest site at Lak-Pass, where Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s long march has been holding a sit-in for the past 17 days.
The conference was attended by leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, National Party, Awami National Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, National Democratic Movement, Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Sherani faction), Balochistan Traders Association, Balochistan National Party (Awami), Jamhoori Watan Party, and various other political and tribal figures.
Participants condemned the suppression of democratic movements and strongly criticized the arrests of Baloch Yekjehti Committee leaders — Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Bibarg Baloch, and Shah Ji Sabghatullah.
The APC passed nine resolutions including the condemnation of the harassment and arrests of BNP and Baloch Yekjehti Committee leaders and workers during the long march and sit-in. Condemnation of the killing of activist Inayatullah Lehri during a peaceful protest in Wadh, and a demand for immediate legal action against those responsible. A call for the release of all political prisoners across the country, including Imran Khan, Ali Wazir, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and Sindh-based Canal Tehreek activists. A call to end the federal government’s “aggressive” policies in Balochistan, including operations and arrests under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
Furthermore, the resolutions were, an immediate repeal of colonial-style policies such as the Fourth Schedule, which targets students, intellectuals, teachers, and civil society members. Cancellation of the Mines and Minerals Act 2025, termination of the PPL agreement, and recognition of Balochistan’s 50% share in the Reko Diq project. Elimination of “exploitative” check-posts on national highways, in border areas. Full support for the ongoing two-year sit-in at Chaman against restrictions imposed at the Durand Line, and a demand for restoration of cross-border trade from Chaman to Gwadar, Taftan to Mand, and Mashkail to Panjgur. A call for national-level dialogue to resolve Balochistan’s issues, implementation of constitutional safeguards linked to the 1948 Instrument of Accession, and compensation for billions in losses suffered by farmers, traders, transporters, and business owners due to flawed government policies.
The conference was addressed by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, Asghar Khan Achakzai, Abdul Mateen Akhunzada, Mir Israrullah Zehri, Nawab Muhammad Khan Shahwani, among others.
During their speeches, party leaders emphasized that democratic forces are engaged in a peaceful and constitutional struggle to resolve Balochistan’s issues. They expressed concern over state institutions’ attempts to obstruct this struggle through aggressive policies, which they believe are fueling instability in the country.
The APC reiterated its support for democratic, constitutional, and nonviolent political efforts and criticised the use of force under “Hard State policy”. The conference rejected recent National Security Committee (NSC) decisions and warned that such strategies would only exacerbate unrest. The participants urged that repressive measures should be abandoned and instead constitutional principles be upheld to address Balochistan’s legitimate grievances and reduce political uncertainty.
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