Balochistan Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani Calls for Dialogue, Says Negotiations Are the Only Solution to Province’s Issues

Quetta: Mir Sadiq Umrani, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the Balochistan Assembly, has said that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the province’s long-standing issues.

In an interview with a foreign media outlet, Umrani said both the provincial government and armed groups should avoid the use of force and instead pursue negotiations.

“Dialogue is the only solution to the problems. It can pave the way for peace and help address unemployment,” he said.

Umrani noted that nationalist parties in Balochistan have been raising concerns about the province’s resources and the rights of local people. He said he also believes that the province’s natural resources should primarily benefit its residents.

Commenting on the security situation, the provincial minister said he personally does not consider law and order in Balochistan to be satisfactory, although he added that he remains part of the provincial cabinet and supports the government’s collective decisions.

He said the real measure of security would be whether people can move freely and conduct business without fear or disruption.

Umrani also disclosed that he has received threats but declined to identify those responsible. He reiterated remarks previously made on the assembly floor, saying that elected representatives and ordinary citizens alike do not feel fully secure.

The minister rejected suggestions of differences between the provincial government and security institutions, saying both are working together to restore peace in the province. He added that while the public wants immediate improvements in security, law enforcement agencies are following their own operational procedures.

Referring to Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Umrani described him as a personal friend and said the ruling coalition continues to have confidence in his leadership. He added that the chief minister’s performance would ultimately be judged by the public and history.

Umrani also acknowledged that public expectations are high but said the provincial government’s financial resources are limited, making it difficult to create large numbers of jobs on a daily basis.

He further stated that the chief minister has repeatedly invited armed groups to engage in talks with the government within the framework of the Constitution and the law. He declined to comment on reports regarding a power-sharing arrangement between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) in Balochistan.