Balochistan Minister Says Ziarat Sit-In Has Become Politicized Despite Acceptance of Key Demands

Quetta: Balochistan Food Minister Noor Muhammad Dummar has claimed that the sit-in in Ziarat over the Mangi area terrorist attack has taken on a political dimension, alleging that the participation of political parties has hindered negotiations despite the government’s acceptance of key demands.

Speaking at a press conference, Dummar strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Mangi, in which police personnel were killed, and said the provincial government had successfully negotiated with the affected families from the Hanna Urak incident.

He urged the families of the victims to proceed with the burial of their loved ones, saying relatives were waiting to see the deceased and assuring them that the government stood by the families of the martyrs.

The minister said some of the demands presented by the sit-in committee require constitutional and legal procedures, and proposed the formation of a separate committee consisting solely of the victims’ families so that their genuine concerns could be addressed.

Dummar stated that if such a committee were formed, the government would fully implement its legitimate demands.

He also alleged that some political parties were encouraging the families of the victims to pursue an “unproductive confrontation” and claimed that certain political activists had behaved disrespectfully toward the families of the martyrs.

The minister said he had intended to participate in the Ziarat sit-in but found that the protest had already become politicized. He added that after consulting Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister assured him that the legitimate demands of the protesters would be approved.

Dummar further alleged that individuals from Murree, Swat, and Karachi had joined the sit-in to pursue political objectives. He said he would continue to serve as a bridge between the government and the victims’ families and was willing to act as a guarantor for the implementation of the government’s commitments.