QUETTA: A grand tribal jirga comprising leading tribal chiefs, nawabs, elders, and political leaders from Balochistan’s Sarawan region has unanimously rejected the proposed administrative restructuring that would place Mastung under Quetta division and shift Kachhi (Bolan) from Nasirabad division to Sibi division.
The jirga, held at the residence of Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai in Quetta on Monday, called on the provincial government to reconsider its proposed administrative changes and preserve the historical and geographical identity of the affected districts.
Participants included prominent tribal leaders, political representatives from various parties, and respected elders from across the Sarawan region. Following detailed deliberations, the gathering issued a joint declaration expressing strong opposition to the reported plan to abolish or weaken the historical significance of Kalat division by moving Mastung into Quetta division.
The jirga also rejected the proposal to remove Kachhi district from Nasirabad division and merge it with Sibi division, arguing that such changes would ignore historical, administrative, and geographical realities.
According to the declaration, Mastung should continue to remain part of Kalat division alongside Kalat and Surab districts, while Bhag and Kachhi should remain within Nasirabad division. The participants emphasized that any administrative restructuring should be carried out only after extensive consultation with local stakeholders and elected representatives.
The tribal chiefs and political leaders urged the government to review the proposed changes and restore the existing divisional framework. They warned that if their concerns were ignored, a broader council of tribal and political leadership would determine a future course of action.
To pursue the matter formally, the jirga established an empowered council consisting of tribal elders, political representatives, legal experts, and members of civil society. The council will engage with the government and advocate for maintaining the historical status of Kalat and Nasirabad divisions.
The development highlights growing concerns among local stakeholders over proposed administrative changes in Balochistan and underscores demands for greater consultation before major governance decisions are implemented.
