Rulers Should Not Mistake Decency for Weakness; Unrest Has Destroyed the Province’s Economy, But the Government Is Not Ready to Take Responsibility: Maulana Abdul Wasey

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta) – Provincial Ameer of Jamiat Ulema Islam Balochistan, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey, while talking to members of the Provincial Assembly and members of the provincial executive committee yesterday, said that Jamiat Ulema Islam has always prioritized peaceful and dignified political struggle for the protection of the Constitution, law, democracy, peace, and the basic rights of the people. However, those who consider our decency, tolerance, and peaceful conduct as weakness should keep this in mind: Jamiat Ulema Islam will under no circumstances abandon its principled stance and the defense of public rights.

He said that the law and order situation in the country, and especially in Balochistan, has deteriorated to an alarming extent. Unrest, target killings, abductions, theft, robbery, and other crimes have left the public in severe mental distress and insecurity. It is a regrettable matter that no one is ready to accept responsibility for establishing law and order, while the public awaits government measures for the protection of their lives and property.

He said that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect the lives and property of citizens and provide them with a peaceful environment. When state institutions and governments neglect their responsibilities, the result is that public trust is damaged and uncertainty increases in society.

Maulana Abdul Wasey said that Balochistan is already afflicted with serious problems such as backwardness, unemployment, inflation, and a lack of basic facilities. In such conditions, unrest has also severely affected the province’s economy and trade, and business activities have reached almost zero level. Traders, industrialists, laborers, and ordinary citizens are suffering from economic difficulties, while employment opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.

He said that without peace, neither investment can take place, nor can trade flourish, nor can new employment opportunities be created for the province’s youth. Therefore, rulers will have to take practical steps instead of mere statements and announcements.

The Provincial Ameer said that Jamiat Ulema Islam Balochistan will continue its political and democratic struggle for the people’s problems, constitutional rights, law and order, and economic stability, and no unconstitutional, undemocratic, and anti-people action will be silently accepted.

He said that all segments of the province must play their role with mutual agreement and unity for the restoration of peace, political stability, and economic activities in Balochistan. The government should also focus on resolving public issues instead of political revenge, pressure, and unnecessary restrictions.

He clarified that considering decency as weakness would be a major misunderstanding on the part of the rulers. Peaceful struggle is our strength and our political identity, but a full voice will continue to be raised on every constitutional and democratic forum for the protection of the people’s rights. On this occasion, Provincial Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema Islam Balochistan, Agha Mahmood Shah, was also present.