JUI Advocates for Provincial Autonomy and Local Rights, Demands Recognition of Local Stake in Reko Diq Project – Senator Maulana Abdul Waseh

**Quetta:** Senator Maulana Abdul Waseh, Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Balochistan, emphasized the party’s ideological and historical role in safeguarding Pakistan’s federal structure and provincial autonomy during an address to the district general assembly. He highlighted that JUI is not just a political party but a comprehensive movement rooted in Islamic principles, carrying forward the legacy of scholars who led centuries-long struggles against colonialism in the subcontinent.

Speaking on the party’s historical contributions, Maulana Abdul Waseh referenced the efforts of Shah Waliullah Dehlvi, Shah Abdul Aziz Dehlvi, and other prominent scholars whose political and intellectual struggles laid the foundation for freedom and awareness against oppression. He underscored that JUI’s participation in the creation of Pakistan and subsequent constitutional reforms, including the incorporation of Islamic provisions and the 18th Amendment, reflects its long-standing commitment to religion, democracy, and people’s rights.

Addressing the Reko Diq mining project, Maulana Abdul Waseh stressed that JUI supports national projects only when the rights and interests of local communities are protected. “We will not accept that the province’s resources are exploited for the benefit of powerful elites while local populations remain deprived,” he said. He called for transparent agreements and the safeguarding of provincial interests, ensuring that development benefits reach the rightful stakeholders.

He also criticized the current political situation in Balochistan, lamenting governance failures, political instability, and the denial of basic facilities such as education, health, water, employment, and security, despite the province’s resource wealth. He urged citizens to recognize JUI’s historical legacy of standing against oppression and injustice, reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful, constitutional, and democratic struggle for the enforcement of Sharia, constitutional supremacy, provincial autonomy, and protection of public rights.

Maulana Abdul Waseh concluded by calling for national awareness of this ideological heritage and continued support for the JUI’s mission of defending the oppressed and safeguarding constitutional and democratic principles.