Senator Abdul Waseem: “Building Trust is the Only Way to Bridge Gap Between Balochistan and Federal Government

Quetta — **Senator Maulana Abdul Waseem**, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Balochistan, emphasized that the widening gap between Balochistan and the federal government can only be reduced through **trust-building**, with respect for public opinion being the fundamental first step.

Addressing the ongoing political challenges in the province, Senator Waseem said that issues which could be discussed ten years ago are now impossible to address, and matters that can be debated today may be unattainable a year from now. He urged serious political forces to collaborate and find **permanent solutions** rather than experimenting with the province’s affairs.

He stressed that **transparent elections** are essential to respect public opinion, noting that political bargaining has pushed Balochistan into a state of crisis. Senator Waseem rejected claims that provincial issues cannot be addressed through parliamentary institutions and called for a **zero-tolerance policy** towards undermining democratic values.

Highlighting the state of Quetta, he said the city of over six million residents has been reduced to a state of ruins. JUI, he added, has historically played a key role in the region’s development, though past governments derailed progress. He expressed confidence that with JUI emerging as the **majority force in local elections across the province**, a strong victory in Quetta’s local body elections will reshape the city, reaffirming Quetta as a **stronghold of JUI** supported by millions of residents.