ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (Alliance News): Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), has criticized the government’s secretive approach to constitutional amendments, rejecting the use of force in the process.
Speaking to the media, Mengal questioned why the amendments, which are being rushed through, are shrouded in secrecy.
Mengal’s remarks came after a meeting with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and a delegation of PTI and BNP-M leaders at the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema Islam (F).
Mengal expressed concerns about the government’s focus on the constitutional amendments. “The 1973 Constitution has existed for 51 years.
What emergency has now arisen that requires such amendments to be pushed through overnight, in secrecy?” he asked, adding that such actions make the ruling class reluctant to disclose the details to the public.
He further criticized the coercive tactics allegedly being used to pass the amendments, saying, “Forcing members to vote, kidnapping them — is this what democracy looks like? Even dictators in the past held rigged referendums, but the public was still asked for their opinion.”
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, after meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and representatives from other political parties, also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the current political climate and the proposed constitutional changes.
PTI leaders, including Asad Qaiser, also voiced their concerns, with Qaiser calling the alleged kidnapping of political figures a “stain on legislation.”
Akhtar Mengal made it clear that his party would not engage in discussions until his two missing senators were returned.
Meanwhile, the PTI delegation, led by Barrister Gohar, said they were awaiting instructions from Imran Khan regarding their stance on the constitutional amendments but were denied access to meet him in Adiala Jail.
