Jamaat-e-Islami Leaders Criticize Government Policies and Demand Rights for Balochistan

QUETTA: The leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, along with Maulana Javed Kasuri, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab Central, has criticized the Pakistani government’s treatment of Balochistan and its people. Speaking at reception ceremonies during the fourth day of their long march, they stated that the people of Punjab had given immense respect to the march, while Maryam Nawaz and her uncle, Shahbaz Sharif, had failed to show any respect for the cause.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman emphasized that Balochistan continues to suffer with death and destruction, as the people are deprived of basic necessities, with neither their lives nor property being secure. He further criticized the narrative of hatred and propaganda spread by the state, which fuels division between Punjabis and Baloch. “The state is the killer of both Baloch and Punjabis,” he said.

The leaders, who are on the “Haqq Do Balochistan” long march, made it clear that they are not seeking to conquer Islamabad but are demanding their legitimate democratic rights. They urged Islamabad to either accept Balochistan’s rightful share or openly declare that Balochistan has no claim to the capital.

Addressing the gathering, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch also condemned the government’s mismanagement of the region’s borders, highlighting the illegal personal businesses run by security forces at border areas while the general public faces illegal hardships. He remarked, “The real crime is not opening the border for legal trade, but allowing security forces to run their own illegal businesses while the public suffers.”

The march received a warm reception in every city in Punjab, where the leaders were showered with flowers, and hospitality was expressed in every town they visited. Speaking on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan’s provincial leadership, including Abdul Mateen Akhundzada, Murtaza Khan Kakar, Zahid Akhtar Baloch, and others, Maulana Hidayat urged all oppressed nations to unite and demand their rights from Islamabad.

He questioned the government’s priorities, pointing out the stark contrast between development in Punjab with projects like the motorway, metro, and orange train, and the complete lack of such infrastructure in Balochistan. “Despite spending 85 billion annually on security, the people are still unsafe, and Balochistan remains without basic facilities like a motorway or public transportation,” he added.

Maulana Hidayat also called for the immediate recovery of missing persons in Balochistan, the release of political prisoners, and the construction of the Quetta-Karachi motorway. He highlighted the yearly fatalities on the Quetta-Karachi highway and criticized the government for ignoring such issues. “It’s not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s about basic human dignity and justice,” he said.

The marchers are also advocating for the return of political and economic control to the people of Balochistan, criticizing the Islamabad administration for its interference in local affairs. They have vowed to continue their struggle for the rights of Balochistan, with their journey toward Islamabad being a pivotal step in their fight for justice.

“Our path to Islamabad will not be obstructed,” Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman declared. “This is not just a march; it is a movement for the rights of every oppressed Baloch citizen.”