JI Balochistan Chief Hidayat-ur-Rehman Calls for Peace and Employment Instead of Force
Quetta: Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan chief and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch has called for addressing Balochistan’s challenges through peace, employment, and dialogue, claiming that the province’s situation is worse than official claims suggest.
He made the remarks while hosting a dinner in honor of a delegation from the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Gwadar. The meeting focused on investment opportunities in Gwadar, the promotion of the construction sector, business prospects, local economic development, and the region’s future growth potential.
Addressing the gathering, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman said the federal government should move beyond what he described as relying on force and instead work to restore peace, create employment opportunities for young people, facilitate cross-border trade by reopening border crossings for traders, and address the longstanding grievances and legitimate demands of protesters.
He also called for the release of what he described as political prisoners and urged the authorities to ensure constitutional and legal rights for the people.
Highlighting Gwadar’s strategic importance, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader said the port city’s geographic location, coastal position, and economic potential make it an attractive destination for domestic and international investors. He emphasized that the private sector has a key role to play in Gwadar’s development and said increased investment could stimulate economic activity and generate employment opportunities for local youth.
The ABAD delegation was led by Chairman Hassan Bakhshi and included several members of the association. During the event, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman presented the delegation with traditional Balochi shawls as a symbol of the province’s cultural heritage, while the delegation presented him with a commemorative shield in recognition of his services for Gwadar’s development and public welfare.
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote investment, construction, and business activities in Gwadar.
The remarks reflect the views of Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami. Government authorities had not publicly responded to his statements at the time of reporting.
