Balochistan People Want Peace Above All Else, Says Jamaat-e-Islami Leader Hidayat-ur-Rehman
Quetta: Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan and Member of the Balochistan Assembly, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, has expressed concern over what he described as the continued failure of the federal government, state institutions, and security forces to restore law and order in Balochistan, saying the province’s people now seek peace and security above all else.
Speaking at meetings with various delegations and public gatherings in Quetta, Hidayat-ur-Rehman said that alongside longstanding issues such as water shortages, electricity, education, healthcare, and unemployment, the public’s foremost demand has become the protection of their lives and property.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami had organized a long march from Quetta to Islamabad a year ago to present what he described as the legitimate demands of the people of Balochistan. Although the government assured that action would be taken, he claimed that no meaningful progress had been made over the past year.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader argued that had those public demands been addressed in a timely manner, the province’s security situation might not have deteriorated to its current level.
He said protecting citizens’ lives and property and eliminating terrorism are the primary responsibilities of state institutions, but alleged that civilians as well as police and Levies personnel continue to face insecurity.
Hidayat-ur-Rehman called for responsibility for maintaining law and order in Balochistan to be effectively entrusted to the local police and Levies force. He also urged the authorities to ensure the safety of highways and take indiscriminate action against those involved in terrorism.
He added that Jamaat-e-Islami would further strengthen its “Give Peace to Balochistan” campaign, saying the protests held across several districts on Sunday reflected the public’s strong desire for lasting peace.
