Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, the provincial emir of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) in Balochistan, has called for a crucial tribal jirga to address the escalating law and order crisis gripping the province.
The jirga, scheduled for December 15th, will bring together prominent elders from both the Baloch and Pakhtun communities. Maulana Hidayat believes this gathering of respected figures can provide valuable insights and propose practical solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing Balochistan.
During a press conference held on Sunday, Maulana Hidayat, accompanied by key party leaders like Attaur Rehman, Provincial General Secretary Zahid Akhtar, and others, voiced deep concerns over the worsening situation in Balochistan. He emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and collaborative efforts to restore peace and stability.
Beyond the tribal jirga, Maulana Hidayat announced plans for a series of all-party conferences aimed at bringing together diverse political perspectives to address the province's issues. Furthermore, the JI intends to engage with ulema (religious scholars), teachers, youth, and students through discussions and workshops, fostering a broader understanding of Balochistan’s problems.
The JI leader also announced ambitious plans for public meetings across Balochistan, starting with events in Noshki and Gwadar on December 22nd. The ultimate goal is to organize a massive gathering in Quetta, aiming to mobilize 100,000 people to demonstrate the collective voice of the province.
Maulana Hidayat strongly criticized the federal government's recent decisions, particularly the military operations launched in Balochistan and the progress made on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Sindh and Punjab. He argued that these actions risk further fueling resentment and instability in the province.
The JI leader stressed the importance of policies that create job opportunities for the youth, effectively addressing their economic anxieties and reducing the likelihood of their involvement in armed conflicts.
He condemned the killing of three individuals from Balochistan during the PTI protest in Islamabad, highlighting the need to address grievances against security forces and promote accountability. Maulana Hidayat also called for tackling systemic issues such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the marginalization of local communities.
While pledging to continue his efforts within the constitutional framework and democratic processes, Maulana Hidayat urged the people of Balochistan to unite and called on decision-makers to reconsider their strategies. He also pledged transparent use of funds and support for welfare programs, including initiatives like the free ambulance service from Gwadar to Karachi.
