Quetta: A senior political leader has said that peace and development in Balochistan remain the government’s top priority, stating that terrorists are acting on the instructions of Pakistan’s enemies and have no connection with the Baloch people.
Talking to the media, he said that terrorists deliberately target innocent civilians and that those who kill unarmed people have no link to humanity. “Those who martyr innocent people cannot be called saviors,” he said, questioning how anyone who blows up railway bridges and sets up roadblocks on highways could claim to be a liberator.
He stressed that Baloch are patriotic Pakistanis and rejected any association between terrorism and the Baloch identity. Referring to the attack on the Jaffar Express, he said celebrations in India after the incident exposed who was behind terrorism in Pakistan. “India is behind terrorism in Pakistan,” he said, adding that past mistakes in Balochistan could not be undone but the future could still be secured.
The leader said that bodies from Balochistan reach across Pakistan, while passengers belonging to Punjab are dragged off buses and killed in front of their families. “Such brutality cannot be justified under any narrative,” he added.
Referring to recent events, he said India suffered defeat in Marka-e-Haq and that the solution to terrorism was the same approach adopted by the state during that confrontation. He said terrorists had now been fully identified and added that Balochistan currently faces two different issues, each requiring a separate and clear solution.
He further said that people from Balochistan run businesses worth billions of rupees in Faisalabad, highlighting national integration and economic interdependence. Commenting on the 18th Constitutional Amendment, he said discussions were ongoing but pointed out that provinces, despite receiving their due share, were failing to allocate sufficient resources to their own districts and divisions.
He maintained that the NFC Award and the 18th Amendment were finalized through consensus among all stakeholders.
Addressing questions about elections, he said objections were raised over the 2024 general elections, but asked who had stopped political parties from ensuring transparency. He questioned who would amend election rules and make the Election Commission fully transparent.
Referring to the 2018 elections, he said political forces were urged to work within the parliamentary system. He added that although an election reform commission was formed, it failed to convene its second meeting.
The leader concluded by emphasizing the need for political consensus, institutional reforms, and a firm stance against terrorism to ensure lasting peace and stability in Balochistan.
