Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan MLA, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Criticizes Islamabad’s Policies and Announces Long March for Rights

Quetta:Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), has strongly criticized the federal government, the establishment, and their ‘puppets’ for the ongoing violence, insecurity, and poverty in Balochistan. He claimed that the funds allocated in the national budget, including Rs. 90 billion, are being used for the security of VVIPs and security institutions, instead of benefiting the common people of Balochistan. He pointed out that the highways, as well as the public, are unsafe, and peaceful protests for rights and against lawlessness are met with arrests.

Speaking at a public gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Quetta in Saryab Khalji Colony as part of the campaign for their July 25 Long March, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman emphasized that the real culprits behind Balochistan’s problems are the rulers in Islamabad, who have consistently ignored the needs of the people of Balochistan. He stated, *”We are marching towards Islamabad on July 25 to demand our basic rights in a peaceful and democratic manner. Our legitimate demands are being ignored, and we are treated as insignificant. The rulers are only interested in exploiting our resources, not in improving our lives.”*

He further criticized the federal government for its “negligence” towards Balochistan’s natural resources, demanding that the rights of the missing persons be ensured, the borders be properly managed, and the revenue from the province’s mineral resources be utilized to resolve issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the lack of basic services.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman also accused security forces, particularly the FC (Frontier Corps), of being responsible for the widespread violence and instability in the region. He stated that these institutions are involved in corruption, extortion, and mismanagement, rather than contributing to the development and safety of the province.

During the session, local leaders also voiced their concerns. Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Quetta district, Abdul Naeem Rand, General Secretary Ijaz Mahboob, Deputy Amir Muhammad Haleem, Hamaas Zareef Khan, Timor Shah, Ali Ahmed Longo, Engineer Adeel Suleman Khil, and Arshad Yusufzai all criticized the provincial government for its failure to address the pressing issues of urban cleanliness, traffic, healthcare, education, and street crimes in the provincial capital.

The speakers lamented that the elected representatives of the province are neglecting their responsibilities, only appearing at the time of elections to ask for votes, but failing to implement the necessary reforms. They called for the holding of local government elections and granting local representatives proper powers and resources to address the city’s issues effectively.

The protesters pledged to continue their struggle for justice, peace, and the restoration of the basic rights of the people of Balochistan.