Jamaat-e-Islami Leader Calls for Long March and Political Struggle to Address Balochistan’s Issues

Quetta, Pakistan:In a powerful address at a convention held by Jamiat Talaba Arabia in Quetta, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan and MPA, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, emphasized the dire need for justice, employment, and the resolution of Balochistan’s long-standing issues. He stated that only the arrival of honest and capable rulers could reduce the mounting problems in the region.

Addressing the gathering at the Quetta Press Club, Maulana Baloch highlighted that Balochistan’s marginalized citizens were grappling with unemployment, the disappearance of individuals, and restricted access to essential resources. He expressed his concerns over the situation, calling it a “grave injustice” that people were being denied their basic rights while also facing severe restrictions on protests. “Despite the lack of job opportunities, people are being stopped from voicing their frustrations,” he stated.

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader announced a long march to Islamabad starting on July 25, to demand the rightful share of resources and basic rights for the people of Balochistan. He also confirmed that religious scholars and students from religious seminaries (Madaris) would join the protest.

Maulana Baloch also expressed his displeasure over the government’s handling of Balochistan’s issues. He condemned the silence of political leaders regarding the missing persons and other human rights violations. “While the ministers are pleased with receiving a one billion rupee allocation in PSDP, they remain silent on the killing of activists like Pasoor Kakr, and the continued disappearance of innocent children,” he said, adding that the state’s failure to act against these crimes was unacceptable.

He also criticized the ruling political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), for being “tools of the establishment” and accused them of facilitating the oppression of Baloch and Pashtun communities.

Maulana Baloch’s statement echoed the longstanding grievances of the people of Balochistan, who have often felt alienated from the central government in Islamabad. He stressed that the people would continue their peaceful political struggle and would not resort to violence unless their rights were completely denied.

Former Provincial Amir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Abdul Mateen Akhundzada, also spoke at the convention, calling for the provision of scholarships and better facilities for students of religious seminaries. He emphasized the need for a government led by ideological scholars who could provide true guidance based on democratic and humanistic principles.

As tensions continue to rise in Balochistan, the call for a long march signifies the growing frustration and determination of the region’s people to secure their rights through peaceful means, despite the challenges they face from the state.