JUI-F Claims Government’s Writ in Balochistan Limited to Red Zone, Demands Resignation

QUETTA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Balochistan has claimed that the provincial government’s writ has effectively been reduced to the Red Zone, alleging that the province is facing one of the worst law and order crises in its history.

In a provincial press release, the party said people across Balochistan have been forced to stage protest sit-ins, not for development projects, employment, or political concessions, but to demand protection for their lives, property, dignity, and the safety of their children.

The statement referred to several recent incidents, including the killing of trader Hashim Norzai in Ziarat, the Hanna Urak tragedy, the rise in kidnappings in Loralai, the alleged mistreatment of a visiting family from Karachi, and a series of murders, abductions, extortion cases, and highway security incidents across the province. According to JUI-F, these incidents demonstrate that the current government has lost public confidence and failed to maintain law and order.

The party criticized the government for focusing on “symbolic statements, photo opportunities, and fruitless meetings” instead of ensuring public safety, claiming that criminal elements now operate freely in many parts of the province.

Questioning the legitimacy of the current administration, JUI-F said the government, which it described as the product of “rigged elections,” had failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens. It argued that any government unable to safeguard lives, enforce the rule of law, and maintain state authority loses its moral, political, constitutional, and public mandate to remain in power.

The party further stated that the killing of businessman Hashim Norzai had sent a dangerous message to traders, industrialists, and investors, discouraging investment in Balochistan and undermining public confidence in the state’s ability to provide security.

JUI-F said the people of Balochistan are no longer demanding development promises but simply the right to live in safety. It called on the provincial government to resign immediately if it cannot fulfill its constitutional duty to protect citizens and urged the holding of free, fair, and transparent elections. The party warned that any further delay would only worsen insecurity and increase public unrest, holding the current rulers politically, constitutionally, and morally responsible for the consequences.