Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau has criticised Sardar Akhtar Mengal over his stance on Pakistan’s nuclear tests, saying Mengal had accompanied then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Chagai when the tests were conducted.
Speaking in Quetta, Langau said Mengal was serving as Balochistan chief minister at the time and had travelled with Nawaz Sharif to Chagai in his vehicle.
He said Mengal later adopted a different position after leaving office and criticised the nuclear tests, describing the development as an example of what he termed political double standards.
Langau also accused some politicians of changing their position on terrorism after leaving government. He said political leaders often take a strong stance against terrorism while in power but adopt different positions after moving into opposition.
Referring to the 2008 provincial government of Nawab Aslam Raisani, the interior minister said significant action was taken against terrorism during that period. He claimed that several politicians who currently speak about the issue had previously taken a strong position against terrorists.
Langau said the elimination of terrorism remains the Balochistan government’s foremost priority, adding that political differences should not cross the boundaries of humanity and national security.
Langau Defends Islamabad Workshop
Regarding a recent workshop in Islamabad, Langau said Balochistan’s political leadership was invited with due respect and given an opportunity to raise questions.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir addressed questions raised by members of the provincial assembly, ministers and other political representatives.
The minister said the participation of Balochistan’s political leadership in the workshop should not be portrayed negatively.
Langau Rejects Attempts to Divide Baloch and Pashtun Communities
Speaking about the Pashtun National Jirga, Langau said he supported the initiative if its objective was to address the political and social challenges faced by Pashtuns and contribute to efforts to eliminate terrorism.
He said his differences with Akhtar Mengal and Mahmood Khan Achakzai were primarily related to what he described as attempts to create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun communities.
Langau said he would oppose any effort to drive a wedge between the two communities, stressing the importance of unity and social cohesion in Balochistan.
