Balochistan Home Minister Assures Traders of Resolving Concerns, Protest Deferred

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau has assured the business community that the provincial government is committed to addressing their concerns, following which traders have decided to postpone their planned protest.

Speaking at a joint press conference with leaders of the Balochistan Traders Association, Langau said the business community is an important segment of society and resolving its issues is the government’s responsibility. He acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and said the traders’ concerns had been heard during negotiations with the government.

The Home Minister announced that the provincial government has formed a committee, which will include the Deputy Commissioner and the Administrator of Quetta, to address the traders’ issues. He said the government would work to resolve all legitimate demands and continue full cooperation with the business community.

President of the Balochistan Traders Association (Registered), Abdul Rahim Agha, said the discussions had reached a positive outcome after the government’s assurances. He added that authorities had pledged to resolve issues concerning 986 shopkeepers and Haleem Plaza, prompting traders to defer their protest.

Addressing the law and order situation, Langau urged the public not to be misled by fake news and negative propaganda circulating on social media. He alleged that anti-state elements were behind efforts to destabilize the province through acts of terrorism.

The Home Minister said the government is taking all necessary measures to improve security on national highways and would carry out curfews or security operations wherever required in accordance with the law.

Commenting on the murder of Asma Jatak’s father, Langau said law enforcement agencies are conducting raids to arrest the suspects. He noted that criminals do not remain at their homes after committing crimes, but authorities are utilizing all available resources to bring those responsible to justice.

He also referred to the Ziarat Shuhada Committee, saying that leaders from various political parties had participated in its proceedings, and urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid misinformation.