MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch Calls for Peaceful Dialogue to Resolve Balochistan’s Crisis

Quetta:Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, Member of Provincial Assembly and Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, stating that no one, including workers, students, civilians, drivers, and even children, is safe. He highlighted that incidents of violence are increasing, and highways, cities, and villages remain insecure. The ongoing closure of jobs, businesses, and border areas is leading to the martyrdom of the poor who come for work, particularly in the border regions. The province is witnessing an escalation in killings and violence.

He pointed out that the Jamaat-e-Islami party had already provided suggestions in the provincial assembly to restore peace and trust among the people of Balochistan. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman criticized the culture of bribery, harsh treatment of citizens in government offices, and the inability to complete work without bribery, which is leading to public disillusionment, rebellion, and rising poverty.

“The province of Balochistan is burning with hatred, fear, and a constant stream of funerals. The solution to our problems is not in the barrel of a gun or in using force. The provincial government must sit together, engage in sincere and meaningful negotiations to resolve the issues, and take action against the real terrorists,” Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stated.

He was speaking at a monthly review meeting of the Jamaat-e-Islami provincial leadership, where reports for the past month were presented. The meeting, attended by key party figures, discussed previous decisions, future actions, and plans for large-scale protests in Quetta, membership drives, and Ramadan-related activities. The meeting also included a discussion on the growing insecurity in the province and the negligence of both the ruling government and security forces.

The party leaders emphasized that the government should engage with genuine political forces, tribal leaders, and consultative bodies. They called for the state to assert its authority and protect innocent, unconnected individuals while ensuring the punishment of the actual wrongdoers such as drug dealers and murderers. The issue of enforced disappearances was particularly raised, and leaders urged that the increasing rebellion due to this issue needs to be addressed immediately.

“We need to sit down with the rebel groups, heal the wounds through dialogue, and work towards peace through love and mutual respect,” Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman added. He further stated that corrupt individuals and those involved in looting should be punished. The judiciary must ensure swift and fair justice, while unnecessary and illegal checkpoints that humiliate innocent citizens should be dismantled.

The party also called for a reduction in restrictions on trade and commerce, which are exacerbating the problems faced by the people. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stressed that security forces and checkpoints must focus on protecting citizens and their property, while the state should assume a protective role rather than resorting to violence.

He concluded by urging the provincial government to organize extensive consultations with political parties, leaders, and parliamentarians to restore trust among the people and resolve the situation. The issue of missing persons must be addressed urgently, with a focus on real solutions rather than superficial measures.