In this spring of 2008, there is the fragrance and refreshing air of "national reconciliation and healing" all-around, from the Arabian sea shores to the heights of K2 and Zahidan to Khunjerab.
In response to PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari's statement, the jailed Balochistan National Party leader Akhtar Mengal has said that Baloch nationalists want to give a chance to the newly elected government to work for national reconciliation and healing.
He said before fighting cases of terrorism registered against him in the courts, he would like to have political talks with the new national leadership which had indicated to talk even to people "who have gone to mountains." Mengal is presently confined as under trial prisoner in Central Jail, Karachi.
He had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Presiding Officer Anti Terrorism Court No 5 Karachi who passed judgement/sentence dated 9.12.2008 on the charges of kidnapping two army men which was taken up by the apex court on Tuesday.
Mengal's lawyer Aslam Chishti submitted that leader of the most sure to form the next government - PPP - Asif Ali Zardari has pledged that PPP would embark on a new highway of healing and mutual respect. Zardari also promised to release all political prisoners including former chief minister Akhtar Mengal. Chishti requested the court to adjourn hearing of Mengal's petition in view of the new spirit of reconciliation and understanding among the politicians to solve the chronic national problems.
The three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar accepted the request and adjourn the case for three weeks. Vice President of Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Sajid Tareen and independent MNA-elect from Khuzdar (Akhtar Mengal's constituency) were also present in the court.