Ziarat Martyrs’ Chehlum Marked by Major Rally; Leaders Vow to Continue Peaceful Struggle
ZIARAT: A large rally and public gathering were held in Ziarat on the occasion of the Chehlum of the Ziarat martyrs, with political and tribal leaders demanding that the government implement, without delay, the agreement reached with the Ziarat Sit-in Committee and the All Parties Conference.
The rally was organized by the Ziarat Sit-in Committee and All Parties Ziarat. It passed through various roads of Ziarat Bazaar before culminating in a large public gathering at Khundi Sir Plaza. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s district chief Maulana Noor-ul-Haq presided over the gathering.
Speakers included Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party central secretary-general Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Awami National Party Balochistan President Asghar Khan Achakzai, Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party central information secretary Muhammad Isa Roshan, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement Balochistan coordinator Noor Bacha, JUI provincial spokesperson Dilawar Khan Kakar, National Democratic Movement Balochistan President Ahmad Jan Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf provincial leader Sardar Akbar Khan Tareen and several other political and tribal figures.
Dr Abdul Samad Panizai presented unanimously adopted resolutions at the gathering.
The speakers paid rich tribute to the martyrs and said their sacrifices had united political parties, tribal elders and the people on a common platform. They declared that the blood of the martyrs would not be wasted and vowed to continue the struggle until justice was provided to the bereaved families and legitimate public demands were accepted.
They also praised the organizers and participants of the 12-day peaceful and democratic sit-in, saying the people of Ziarat had demonstrated that constitutional and collective rights could be pursued through united and peaceful democratic resistance.
The speakers demanded immediate and complete implementation of the agreement reached between the government, the martyrs’ families and the All Parties Ziarat. They said the agreement included a commitment regarding the withdrawal of the Frontier Corps, but alleged that construction and attempts to occupy public and tribal lands were continuing in Ziarat in the name of security.
They strongly rejected what they described as illegal occupation of public and tribal lands, calling for an immediate halt to such activities.
The speakers also expressed serious concern over the cutting of Ziarat’s ancient juniper forests, describing it as environmentally destructive and an irreversible loss to the region’s natural heritage. They demanded that national and international environmental organizations and relevant authorities take immediate notice and ensure protection of the historic juniper forests.
Participants expressed complete solidarity with the families of the martyrs and chanted slogans in support of their demands. They resolved to continue their peaceful democratic struggle for justice, protection of public and tribal lands, and preservation of Ziarat’s natural and historical heritage.
Before the gathering, Quran recitation, prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs and a communal meal were arranged, with a large number of people attending.
