PTI-Led ‘Save Balochistan’ APC Calls for Dialogue, Recovery of Missing Persons, and Political Solution

Islamabad/Quetta: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Balochistan organized an All Parties Conference (APC) titled “Save Balochistan” at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, where political leaders from across the country called for dialogue, the recovery of missing persons, and a political approach to resolving the province’s long-standing challenges.

The conference was chaired by PTI Balochistan President Daud Shah Kakar and attended by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Mohsin Dawar, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and other political leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Daud Shah Kakar said Balochistan was facing worsening terrorism and lawlessness, resulting in heavy human and economic losses. He called for the recovery of missing persons, equitable distribution of the province’s resources among local residents, and expressed concern over the prolonged closure of the Chaman border, which he said was harming Pakistani traders.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said political differences had turned into hostility and urged the state to examine why educated young people from respected families were becoming involved in militancy. He argued that the use of force alone could not resolve the crisis and called for negotiations with local communities and political stakeholders. Referring to the recent Ziarat incident, he said the security situation had become so serious that even security personnel required greater protection.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said Balochistan’s issues were long-standing and criticized what he described as treating the province solely as a security issue rather than a political one. He also alleged that elected representatives in the current provincial assembly were unable to openly discuss terrorism and crime.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that the state’s authority was weakening in Balochistan and urged all stakeholders to work together before the situation deteriorated further. Drawing comparisons with conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, he cautioned against allowing internal divisions to deepen.

Asad Qaiser described border trade as a shared concern for both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and advocated expanding trade with neighboring countries. He also called for political consensus on restoring peace and security. Mohsin Dawar, meanwhile, urged the release of political prisoners and expressed concern over the security situation in both provinces.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants unanimously called for an end to the use of force in Balochistan, urging that disputes be resolved through meaningful political dialogue. They also demanded the recovery of missing persons, transparent elections, and an electoral process free from interference by state institutions, arguing that lasting peace depends on political engagement and greater local control over the province’s resources.