JUI-B Strongly Rejects Arbitrary Changes to Musa Khel District Boundaries, Warns of Protest

QUETTA: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan (JUI-B) has strongly rejected what it described as arbitrary alterations and repeated division of the administrative and geographical boundaries of Musa Khel district, calling such moves an attempt to push the local population further towards deprivation and a sense of marginalization.

In a provincial statement, the party said the people of Musa Khel had repeatedly faced decisions in the past that adversely affected their political, administrative and fundamental rights and contributed to their continued backwardness and sense of deprivation.

The JUI-B said that at different times, attempts had allegedly been made to undermine the public mandate by disqualifying elected representatives, while the district’s only provincial assembly constituency had also been abolished. It said another attempt was now allegedly being made to alter the geographical and administrative boundaries of Musa Khel according to preferences rather than public needs.

The party maintained that the boundaries of a district should not be determined merely through official files, closed-door decisions or administrative discretion. Instead, historical affiliations, geographical realities, social relationships, administrative requirements and the collective will of local residents should be taken into consideration.

It said decisions taken without public consent were neither compatible with the spirit of democracy nor consistent with the principles of administrative justice.

The JUI-B expressed concern that Musa Khel was already facing serious challenges, including backwardness, unemployment, shortages of basic facilities, weak infrastructure and economic difficulties. Instead of addressing these issues, providing employment and improving education, healthcare, roads, water and electricity facilities, the government was allegedly taking decisions that could further increase public anxiety and deprivation.

The party particularly objected to the reported proposal to include areas such as Rarasham and Andar Poor in another district, saying these areas had deep historical, geographical, social and administrative links with Musa Khel.

It described the proposed move as unnatural and unjustified, arguing that it disregarded ground realities as well as the collective interests and longstanding affiliations of the local population.

The JUI-B said such decisions could strengthen the perception among residents of underdeveloped districts that, instead of being developed, their political and administrative status was being weakened and their resources, representation and collective identity were being restricted.

The party urged the provincial government to focus its attention on law and order, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and other pressing public issues instead of taking controversial decisions contrary to the wishes of the people.

The JUI-B said it remained in contact with the people, party leadership and local representatives of Musa Khel and that its position on the issue was clear: no change to the district’s boundaries would be accepted against the will of the local population.

The party demanded that the government immediately review the proposed administrative changes and take all relevant communities, political parties, elected representatives, tribal and social elders and other stakeholders into confidence.

It also called for a transparent, meaningful and formal consultation process before any final decision was taken.

The JUI-B warned that if public demands continued to be ignored, it would raise its voice through peaceful, democratic and legal forums to protect the constitutional and legitimate rights of the people of Musa Khel. The party said it would consult local residents and announce a future political and protest strategy if the government failed to address their concerns.

The party stressed that the people of Musa Khel could no longer be subjected to repeated administrative experiments, political deprivation and arbitrary decisions, adding that respecting their mandate, historical identity, geographical unity and collective interests was the government’s responsibility.