Balochistan Grand Alliance and Government Hold Initial Talks, Agree to Form Joint Committee for Demand Review

QuettaضA significant step towards resolution emerged as the **Balochistan Grand Alliance (BGA)** and the **government delegation** held their first round of talks at the **CM Secretariat**. The meeting focused on addressing various demands raised by the BGA, including the **DRA** issue and other pending matters. Following the meeting, the BGA announced that it would **suspend** its ongoing protests, **lockdowns**, and **children’s protests** while expressing hope that **previous shortcomings** would not repeat and that **substantial progress** would be made on its demands this time around.

According to a **press release** issued by the **Balochistan Grand Alliance**, it was agreed that a **joint committee** comprising representatives from both the BGA and the provincial government would be formed to review the demands, including the DRA issue. The **government committee** will include:

* **Mir Shoyab Nosherwani**
* **Sayed Iqbal Shah** (Pakistan People’s Party)
* **Member of Balochistan Assembly Asfandyar Khan Kakar**
* **Finance Officer Jahangir Khan**

The **BGA committee** will consist of:

* **Professor Abdul Qudoos Kakar** (Central Organizer)
* **General Secretary Haji Ali Asghar Bangulzai**
* Three other nominated members from the BGA.

In line with the meeting, it was also decided that the **committee** would be **notified immediately**, and the government would ensure the **immediate release** of all prisoners held in **Quetta and Machh Jails**. The **High Court orders** for their release will be issued without delay, and they will be freed by **Wednesday morning**.

Furthermore, it was agreed that all **cases** against **BGA leaders** and **government employees** would be **withdrawn**, and any **departmental actions** against them would be **halted** immediately.

The government and the **BGA delegation** are scheduled to hold the **first formal round of negotiations** on **Thursday**, where further deliberations on the **BGA demands** will take place.

Following these developments, the **Balochistan Grand Alliance** announced that it would **postpone** the ongoing **strikes**, **lockdowns**, and **protests** scheduled across **Quetta** and **Balochistan**. The BGA expressed **optimism** over the negotiations and encouraged the workers in **Machh** to **greet the released prisoners** on **Wednesday**, and a grand welcome will be organized at the **Education Directorate** in **Quetta** at **6:00 PM**, where **employees** are urged to participate in large numbers to make the event memorable.

This marks a **positive shift** in the ongoing tensions, with both sides hoping to resolve their differences amicably and ensuring a **peaceful environment** for the people of Balochistan.