Karachi Press Club Hosts Seminar on “Burning Issues of Balochistan and Their Solutions”
Karachi Web Desk:
The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, emphasized that the establishment must change its policy regarding Balochistan and grant the people of the region their rightful privileges. He made these remarks during his presidential address at a seminar organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan at the Karachi Press Club, titled “Burning Issues of Balochistan and Their Solutions.”
Hafiz Naeem stated that the ruling elites and the establishment need to reevaluate their approach towards Balochistan and ensure that the people of the province are granted their due rights. “If the people of Balochistan are given respect and their rights, they will prove to be even more patriotic,” he remarked. He further emphasized that resolving Balochistan’s issues requires direct dialogue with the region’s true leadership, as the current representatives in the Balochistan Assembly do not truly represent the people.
He also highlighted the importance of activating the commission for missing persons, urging the cessation of forceful tactics and the immediate recovery of the disappeared individuals. He added, “If someone is a terrorist or criminal, the constitution and laws should be followed, and matters should be decided through courts.”
According to Hafiz Naeem, no constitution permits the abduction or forced disappearance of citizens. He praised the leadership of Balochistan and assured that Jamaat-e-Islami will raise its voice for the rights of the Baloch people across Pakistan, including organizing significant rallies in Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law, stressing that the government, courts, and military must abide by these principles. “Once the issues of Balochistan are addressed, within three months, the people of the province will defend their land, and the country will progress,” he asserted.
Addressing the development needs of the province, Hafiz Naeem called for the provision of essential services to the people of Balochistan, including access to gas and electricity. He emphasized that Balochistan, the only province capable of generating solar energy for the entire country, should receive its fair share in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
He also pointed out the exploitation of Balochistan’s mineral resources by a few influential figures, which benefits the ruling class while depriving the local population of their due rights. “If 20% of the proceeds from Balochistan’s minerals were allocated to the people of the province, both the province and the country would flourish,” he proposed.
Lastly, Hafiz Naeem raised concerns about the lack of a motorway between Quetta and Karachi, which results in the loss of around 8,000 lives annually due to road accidents. He called for urgent infrastructure development to ensure the safety of travelers.
