Mahrang Baloch and Akhtar Mengal Speak Out Against Alleged Coercion in Pakistan’s Constitutional Amendment
In Islamabad, Pakistan, prominent human rights activist Mahrang Baloch has raised concerns about the alleged coercion and harassment faced by Balochistan National Party (BNP) senators, including their leader Akhtar Mengal. This comes amid discussions on Pakistan’s 26th constitutional amendment.
Baloch condemned what she described as state aggression against BNP members, criticizing the alleged use of intimidation to secure votes. She called for accountability in Pakistan’s political process, stating, “The way Akhtar Mengal and his BNP senators were treated and coerced into voting for the 26th constitutional amendment, and are now being framed in fake police cases, clearly shows that there is no space for parliamentary politics or peaceful activism in Pakistan.”
BNP leader Akhtar Mengal has also voiced his concerns, alleging the abduction of two of his party’s senators and their families. Mengal expressed frustration over the government’s handling of the situation, questioning the urgency behind the constitutional amendment without sufficient transparency for the public. He accused authorities of taking the family of a female senator hostage to force her presence at a meeting with the Prime Minister.
In response to these events, Mengal has vowed to withhold support for any constitutional amendments until the missing senators are safely located. He criticized the secrecy surrounding the amendments, calling it a “democratic assault,” and suggested possible external pressures at play. Mengal intends to consult with the opposition alliance, arguing that any constitutional changes under such circumstances lack legitimacy.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation, led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, has been actively engaging with the JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to finalize their stance on the amendment.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a human rights activist from Pakistan. She works to protect people’s rights and ensure they are treated fairly.
Akhtar Mengal -: Akhtar Mengal is a leader of the Balochistan National Party in Pakistan. He is involved in politics to represent the interests of the Baloch people.
Balochistan National Party (BNP) -: The Balochistan National Party is a political party in Pakistan. It focuses on the rights and development of the Balochistan region and its people.
Constitutional Amendment -: A constitutional amendment is a change or addition to a country’s constitution. In this case, it refers to the 26th amendment being discussed in Pakistan.
Coercion -: Coercion means forcing someone to do something against their will. In this context, it refers to pressure on BNP senators to agree to the amendment.
State aggression -: State aggression refers to actions taken by the government that are forceful or harmful. It can include things like threats or violence against people.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for one’s actions and being answerable to others. It is important for ensuring fairness and justice.
Abduction -: Abduction means taking someone away by force. In this summary, it refers to the alleged kidnapping of two senators and their families.
Transparency -: Transparency means being open and clear about actions and decisions. It helps people understand what is happening and why.
