Staff Reporter:
Quetta: Leaders of six major political parties in Balochistan held a joint press conference at the Quetta Press Club, strongly condemning the suicide attack of September 2 at Shahwani Stadium, Saryab Road, during the fourth death anniversary of veteran nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal.
The tragic attack claimed the lives of 15 political workers and left 41 others injured. Senior leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), BNP leader Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, along with representatives of ANP, National Party, PTI, and Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, narrowly escaped unharmed.
Announcing a province-wide rail and wheel jam, shutter-down strike, rallies, and protest demonstrations on September 8, Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the incident was an attack on democratic forces. He emphasized that the leadership would continue their political struggle for constitutional supremacy, the protection of provincial rights, and the dignity of the people. “We are not slaves. Our fight is for equality, justice, and the rights of our people,” he declared.
Achakzai stressed that the natural resources of Balochistan must first and foremost benefit its people. He called for accountability and justice, urging the state to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. He added that despite the anger and grief, political parties chose a peaceful and democratic response rather than violence.
BNP President Akhtar Mengal described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” recalling how workers chanting political slogans moments earlier were targeted mercilessly. He said the martyrs belong not only to one party but to the entire province, and their sacrifices will strengthen the political struggle.
Leaders from National Party, ANP, PTI, and Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen also addressed the press conference, urging the public, traders, transporters, civil society, and youth to participate in the peaceful protest on September 8. They said this united action would be a tribute to the martyrs and a powerful message of solidarity for peace in Balochistan.
