Throughout history, politics has been considered a sport of the statesmen primarily due to its competitive and strategic nature. This means that in politics, weaving schemes and plans to win over opponents is deemed normal. However, sometimes political figures, in their struggle for victory, opt for a path that deviates not only from the essence of traditional politics but also proves detrimental to both them and the state at large. For instance, approximately two decades ago, Akbar Bugti, an extremely seasoned politician hailing from Balochistan, and his nephew, Brahamdag Bugti, took the path of resistance against the state to recover his lost popularity among the people of Balochistan. While the decision to adopt resistance politics was a breath of fresh air for Bugti’s dying popularity and ensured his overnight fame, it brought forth complex security consequences, which the province has grappled with ever since.
However, things changed after the 2018 elections as the hardcore pro-resistance sentiment subsided slowly and a pro-parliamentary sentiment started emerging among the masses. This shift was mainly because the people of Balochistan witnessed the fallout of armed resistance, which not only hindered their daily lives but also pushed their loved ones into the dark pit of militancy. The move from militancy or resistance to parliamentary democracy was seen as a positive development in Balochistan’s political landscape. So much so that the recent long March for the missing persons of Balochistan, led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch to Islamabad, was seen as the display of a democratic transition. It marked a shift towards utilizing democratic institutions and processes to address grievances and advocate for change, rather than employing violent means or armed resistance.
Similarly, the post-2024 elections have seen a different narrative unfold. While the main nationalist parties such as the National Party (NAP) and the Balochistan National Party (BNP) protested the election results, their actions indicated a desire to stake a claim in parliament.
However, amidst these positive and somewhat complex developments, there emerged Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s controversial remarks during a recorded protest at Chaman border. He challenged the implementation of passport systems along the Pak-Afghan border (the Durand Line) and threatened the state by suggesting that this implementation would compel local stakeholders to start issuing passports to government servants of Pakistan intending to come to Chaman on official and non-official business. Achakzai’s words not only had the potential to jeopardize the democratic transition which the province witnessed but also threatened the security fabric of the region because, instead of fostering dialogue, his speech only escalated tensions. Moreover, his comments had the potential to attract the attention of the hostile neighbors, who repeatedly contest the Durand line, and provide safe heavens to the militant factions, who orchestrate terrorist endeavors inside Pakistan.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai is one of the most seasoned and well-rounded politicians from Balochistan. His party, the Pashtunkhawa Milli Awami Party, was a dominant force in Balochistan post the 2013 general elections. However, the Milli Awami Party suffered a severe decline in public support due to mismanagement and governance failures. This was mainly due to Achakzai’s tenure as a National Assembly member, marked by controversial decisions like the closure of the Chaman border, which only fueled public discontent. The repercussions were evident in subsequent elections, with the party’s dwindling support culminating in just one provincial assembly seat in Balochistan in 2018, and a marginal presence in the 2024 polls. This disillusionment of the public stems from a perceived disconnect between the party leadership and the electorate, highlighted by undemocratic expulsions of party members. However, it is concerning to see that Mr. Achakzai is using his defeat as grounds for passing inflammatory rhetoric in Chaman, which reveals that he blatantly disregards democratic principles and aims to exploit public sentiment for personal gain. In short, such political activities will only result in a polarized and emotionally charged youth, who will certainly never give weight to rationality and reason.
In a nutshell, it is imperative to understand that Balochistan’s political landscape is heavily influenced by multiple actors, who have exposed the province to both resistance politics and parliamentary democracy. In fact, some of these actors have remained a part of both systems. However, what’s important to know is that these actors have constantly pushed their own aspirations and vendettas without considering the larger picture of the region. Politicians like Mehmood Khan Achakzai give irresponsible statements in public rallies to gain their lost prestige, but by doing so, they invite the foreign actors to open a new front for the country, which at present is already grappling with countless political, economic and security challenges. Hence, as the province navigates these complexities, it is imperative for political leaders to prioritize dialogue, inclusivity, and the well-being of the populace to foster a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Contributed by Naeem Khan – An Independent Researcher
