PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui and Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch Stress Dialogue to Address Balochistan’s Issues

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui has emphasized the importance of dialogue and political unity in resolving Balochistan’s ongoing challenges. He noted that during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, the situation in Balochistan was much better, and the country had seen a significant reduction in terrorism. However, despite the National Action Plan being introduced after the APS tragedy, its implementation remained inadequate.

In an interview on *Aaj TV’s* *Spotlight* program with host Muneeza Jahangir, Siddiqui stated, “If separatists in Balochistan are willing to engage in talks, we should open the door for dialogue. Major political parties must come together on the issue of Balochistan, and we should ensure that democratic forces stay united in this matter. Regardless of their relationship with governments, they must remain aligned with patriotic forces and the country.”

He also addressed the growing security concerns, especially the kidnapping of trains and the limitation of political leaders’ influence, stating that in such situations, the military forces should take necessary actions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, leader of the National Party and former Chief Minister of Balochistan, condemned the tragic incident involving the Jaffar Express, calling it a catastrophe. He emphasized that the killing of innocent individuals, as well as the issue of missing persons, remains a significant problem. He criticized the increasing number of military personnel in the region, suggesting that the solution to Balochistan’s problems lies in negotiations, not military force.

Dr. Baloch further stated, “The mindset of the Islamabad elite and the Baloch elite has not changed; they still think that the problem can be solved with guns. This is their mistake. The situation has been deteriorating for two decades, and no one is seriously considering how to resolve Balochistan’s issues. We need to bring back missing persons, provide employment based on merit for unemployed Baloch youth, and engage separatist forces in talks.”

He also stressed the importance of improving the province’s infrastructure and allowing elected representatives to participate in the Balochistan Assembly. Without these steps, he warned, the sense of deprivation among the people would continue to grow.

Dr. Baloch concluded, “Baloch separatists are now spread across the entire province. The issue of Balochistan can only be resolved through dialogue. I am deeply disappointed with the major political parties; they have compromised on the issue of Balochistan.”