NewKerala.com

Balochistan Clerics Urge Justice, Dialogue to End Unrest and Disappearances

Prominent religious scholars in Balochistan have declared that violence is not a solution to the province's crisis, urging resolution through constitutional dialogue. They pressed the government for transparent investigations into all cases of enforced disappearances, with open trials for the guilty and immediate release of the innocent. The clerics traced current instability to the 2006 killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti and called for local economic inclusion in projects like CPEC and Gwadar's development. They recommended a series of measures, including transparent elections and forming a reconciliation council, reaffirming their commitment to peace-building.

Key Points: Balochistan Clerics Call for Justice, Transparent Probes on Unrest

  • Transparent probes into enforced disappearances
  • Economic inclusion in CPEC, Gwadar
  • Dialogue over violence for peace
  • Address roots of turmoil since 2006
2 min read

Clerics call for justice, transparent probes to address Balochistan unrest

Religious scholars in Balochistan call for transparent investigations into enforced disappearances, dialogue, and economic inclusion to resolve the province's crisis.

"sustainable peace depends on justice, reconciliation and mediation rather than coercive measures - Maulana Dr Ata ur Rehman & other clerics"

Balochistan Februar, y 19

Religious scholars categorically stated that violence offers no remedy to Balochistan's deepening crisis, urging the state and aggrieved stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue and constitutional means.

The remarks were made at a joint press conference following a seminar titled "Restoring Peace in Balochistan and Confidence-Building: The Institutional Responsibilities of Ulema and Mashaykh," as reported by Dawn.

According to Dawn, prominent clerics, including Maulana Dr Ata ur Rehman, Allama Muhammad Juma Asadi, Maulana Anwar-ul-Haq Haqqani and Qari Abdul Rehman Noorzai, stated that sustainable peace depends on justice, reconciliation and mediation rather than coercive measures. They pressed the government to ensure transparent investigations into all cases of enforced disappearances. Those proven guilty, they said, must face open trials, while innocent detainees should be freed immediately.

The scholars warned that Balochistan stands at a decisive crossroads. One direction, they cautioned, leads toward complete estrangement, while the other lies in a constitutional struggle for rights and dignity. The clerics traced the roots of the present turmoil back to the 2006 killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, describing it as a pivotal event whose aftershocks continue to destabilise the province, Dawn reported.

Highlighting widespread frustration among youth, the religious leaders called for greater economic inclusion. They demanded that locals be given employment opportunities and a meaningful share in Gwadar's development, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, and mining ventures, Dawn reported.

A substantial portion of revenue generated from provincial resources, they argued, must be channelled toward local welfare and infrastructure. The scholars also alleged that foreign elements exploit internal grievances to foster division and weaken regional stability, particularly in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, as highlighted by Dawn.

Among the recommendations put forward at the seminar were transparent provincial elections, expansion of technical and vocational education, regulation of border trade, elimination of drug and trawler mafias, empowerment of the Human Rights Commission, and the formation of a reconciliation council comprising respected ulema and community figures, as reported by Dawn.

Reaffirming their commitment, the clerics declared that Balochistan's religious leadership stands ready to shoulder responsibility for peace-building, insisting that dialogue and justice remain the only viable path forward, as reported by Dawn.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Balochistan has suffered for too long. The mention of Nawab Bugti's killing in 2006 shows how deep the wounds are. While the clerics' intentions seem good, the real test is whether the Pakistani establishment will listen. We've seen similar calls before with little action. 🤞 Hope this time is different for the people there.
A
Aman W
As an Indian, reading about the internal issues of our neighbor is concerning. Stability in the region benefits everyone. The clerics are right about foreign elements exploiting grievances—it's a dangerous game. The path of dialogue and constitutional struggle is the only sane way forward. Wishing peace for the common people of Balochistan.
S
Sarah B
The recommendations for technical education and regulating border trade are very practical. Empowering local youth with skills can truly change the future. However, I respectfully disagree with solely blaming "foreign elements." Lasting peace requires honest introspection and addressing home-grown issues first. The reconciliation council idea is excellent.
V
Vikram M
The economic points are key! Why should locals not benefit from Gwadar or mining in their own land? This is a universal truth. When development happens, it must be inclusive. The revenue from provincial resources MUST go back to the province. Hope the authorities are listening. 🙏
K
Karthik V
"Complete estrangement" vs "constitutional struggle" – that's the choice laid out very clearly. It's a warning the state cannot afford to ignore. When religious scholars, who are often seen as conservative, are pushing for human rights commissions and transparent elections, it speaks volumes about the severity of the situation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50