National Party (NP) President and former Balochistan Chief Minister, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, has strongly condemned the suicide attack on a multiparty rally in Quetta, describing it as a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at suppressing political activities and isolating democratic parties.
Speaking at a press conference at the NP district secretariat in Turbat, Dr. Baloch called the attack at Shahwani Stadium a national tragedy. The rally, organized to commemorate the fourth death anniversary of veteran Baloch nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal, brought together leaders from various political parties, including BNP, NP, PTI, PkMAP, and ANP.
A devastating blast occurred at the conclusion of the rally, claiming the lives of 15 political workers and injuring around 70 others. This is the second-largest political tragedy in Quetta after the lawyers’ massacre, Dr. Baloch stated.
He expressed deep concern over the shrinking space for political activism in Balochistan. There are already very few political activists in the region, and now even they are being targeted and killed,” he said, recalling a previous suicide attack during Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s long march. “This is part of a new tactic to suppress political parties while allowing anti-social elements to promote intolerance and disorder in society.
Dr. Baloch paid tribute to the slain workers, emphasizing that their sacrifices have plunged the entire political leadership and workers across the province into mourning. “This is not just the grief of one party—it is a national tragedy,” he remarked.
The NP president announced that the party will observe three days of mourning in light of the Quetta attack. He also confirmed the postponement of the party’s scheduled rally in Hub on September 14, with a new date to be announced later.
He warned that democratic forces in the country, which believe in the supremacy of parliament and the Constitution, are being systematically cornered. “The killing of political workers is unacceptable and condemnable. These tactics will neither end our political struggle nor silence ideological politics,” he asserted.
Dr. Baloch called on all political parties to unite and develop a joint strategy to combat terrorism and political victimization. He reiterated the NP’s full support for the decisions reached at the All Parties Conference in Quetta.
The National Party has endured even harsher challenges in the past. We have never abandoned our struggle, nor have we compromised on our principles, Dr. Baloch declared.
He also paid homage to the contributions of Baloch nationalist leaders, particularly Sardar Attaullah Mengal and his comrades, including Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo. “Their sacrifices in the struggle for rights remain unforgettable,” he said.
Senior NP leaders present at the press conference included Kehda Akram Dashti, central finance secretary Haji Fida Hussain Dashti, Lala Rasheed Dashti, Mullah Barkat Baloch, Haml Baloch, Bajar Baloch, Dr. Muhammad Noor, Balakh Sher Qazi, Nazimuddin Advocate, Muhammad Jan Dashti, district president Younus Javed Dashti, Rajab Yaseen, Jamal Shakeel, and a large number of party workers.
