Forgotten Balochistan

[FearlessRoar]

Barrick Gold delegation meets PM: Reko Diq feasibility study due by year-end​

A delegation from Barrick Gold Company, led by Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow, met Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday. They informed him that the feasibility study for the Reko Diq project in Balochistan would be completed by the end of the current year.

The prime minister expressed his belief that the Reko Diq project would be a game changer for the development of Balochistan and the wider region. He stated, "This project will usher in a new era of development of the province and prosperity of the people."

He also said planning would be done regarding communication infrastructure, particularly railway lines, to fully utilise Balochistan's mineral resources.

Furthermore, the prime minister urged Barrick Gold to consider investing in other mineral projects within the province. He suggested potential collaboration between the government and Barrick Gold to establish a technical university in Chagai district.

The government, he noted, is committed to facilitating investors, particularly in the areas of road and communication systems.

In terms of the progress of the Reko Diq project, the Barrick Gold delegation reported that the feasibility study would indeed be concluded by the end of the current year. They highlighted the company's prioritisation of employing local and Balochistan domiciled individuals for the project.

Additionally, Barrick Gold disclosed their efforts in corporate social responsibility, including the establishment of three schools near Reko Diq and the provision of technical training to 100 individuals, including women.

The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Muhammad Jehanzeb, and other relevant senior government officials.

Reko Diq feasibility nears completion | The Express Tribune

Saudi Fund for Development delegation calls on PM

tribune.com.pk

PM directs to ensure foolproof security of Reko Diq project workers, logistics​

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday underscored the importance of safeguarding workers involved in the Reko Diq project, pledging to ensure their security and smooth logistics from Reko Diq to the port, Radio Pakistan reported.

In a meeting in Lahore, chaired by the prime minister, focusing on mines and minerals of Balochistan with a special emphasis on the Reko Diq project, PM Shehbaz stressed the need for meticulous planning, particularly concerning the communication infrastructure such as the railway line, to fully exploit the mineral resources in Balochistan.

Instructions were issued during the meeting for the immediate upgrading of existing road networks to link the Reko Diq project with Gwadar via road.

The premier also urged consultation with all stakeholders at official levels to address any obstacles hindering the project's progress.

Furthermore, Shehbaz called for expediting the completion of under-construction roads and strategizing the feasibility of a railway network from Reko Diq to Gwadar port.

Highlighting the benefits of the proposed railway project, the prime minister mentioned that it would facilitate swift access and reduce distance compared to Karachi’s Bin Qasim port, particularly benefiting the mineral-rich district of Chaghai and promoting the mining industry.

Seeking further insights, the prime minister requested a detailed briefing next week on the Reko Diq project and rail connectivity.

Moreover, he directed the removal of all official hurdles to complete the environmental and social impact assessment concerning the Reko Diq project.

It was disclosed during the meeting that the feasibility study for the Reko Diq project is set to conclude by the end of the year, with plans for transporting 6,000 containers monthly from Reko Diq to the port.

Additionally, attendees were informed that the project's concentrate pipeline would be the world's second-longest slurry pipeline, and the mining company would construct a link road from Reko Diq to National Highway-40.

Progress updates were provided, revealing that 58 per cent of the construction work on the 103-kilometre road from Naukundi to Mashkhel, connecting Reko Diq with Gwadar, has been completed.

Among the attendees was a delegation from Barrick Gold Company, led by its Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow.

PM directs to ensure security of Reko Diq project workers | The Express Tribune

Shehbaz urges consultation with all stakeholders to address any obstacles hindering project's progress

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

I hope it will bring economic stability to Balochistan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Balochistan CM’s victory in election challenged in tribunal​

Gohram Bugti in his petition questioned, how could Sarfaraz Bugti be allowed to contest election from Balochistan Assembly’s constituency PB-10 (Dera Bugti). “As a minister of the caretaker cabinet, he could not contest the election,”, petitioner argued.

According to the petition, Sarfaraz Bugti got posting of his favorite polling staff, resigned from cabinet and contested the election.

“In papers he bagged votes with 80 to 99 percent ratio in the election and this ratio of vote casting is impossible in any election,” he petitioned.

Gohram Bugti pleaded to the tribunal for thumb verification of voters in the election.

“How could Sarfaraz Bugti keeps the assembly’s membership, when he was ineligible to contest the election,” the rival candidate said.

Gohram Bugti pleaded to the tribunal to declare the PB-10 seat vacant and announce by election in the constituency.

Balochistan CM's victory in election challenged in tribunal

ISLAMABAD: Jamhoori Watan Party's Gohram Bugti has challenged Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti's election victory in tribunal, ARY News reported

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Protesting teachers in Quetta seek salaries

Hundreds of teachers, along with members of staff of the Balochistan University, staged a sit-in, in front of the Balochistan Assembly, on Monday.

After the sit-in, they marched on the main roads of the provincial capital against the non-payment of their salaries for the last four months, which they said had caused great financial difficulties.

They assembled within the university and took out a rally, which passed through the main Sariab Road, Jinnah Road and Zarghoon Road and finally reached the provincial assembly which was in session at the time.

The demonstrators carried placards and banners inscribed with their demands and chanted slogans in favour of their demands.They were led by Dr Kaleemullah and other leaders of the joint action committee.

They set up a camp, outside the assembly gate to block the entry of individuals into the premises. However, people used alternative gates for entering the assembly.

Members of the assembly brought the protest to the notice of speaker retired captain Abdul Khaliq Achakzai’s.

The speaker formed a five member committee, comprising Mir Saddiq Umrani, Mir Ali Madad Jattak, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Agha Umar Ahmedzai and Wali Muhammad Nourzai to listen to the protestors demands.

The committee held negotiations with the joint action committee leaders, who informed them of their grievances and told them that university employees, including teaching staff, have not received salaries, which caused financial hardship.

The committee assured the joint action committee that issues relating to their salaries and pensions would be resolved, as soon as possible.

They said that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has already approved a grant for universities to resolve financial crises.

Funds would be disbursed in coming days, the assembly members assured the teachers.

Following the assurances by the house committee, the joint action committee announced to end the protest.

However, they announced to resume the sit-in outside the main gate of the university, until the issue of delayed salaries was resolved once and for all.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Saudis may invest $1b in Reko Diq​

According to finance ministry sources, the shares of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) will be sold to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is expected to invest in the project next month.

The sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would form a finance ministry committee for the Kingdom’s investment in the project.

The committee will include OGDCL, PPL and energy ministry officials.

The sources continued that the finance and energy ministries would send a summary to the premier for the formation of the committee.

After the formation of the committee, its members will leave for Saudi Arabia for the final discussion on its investment.

Later, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will sign an agreement for the latter’s investment in the Reko Diq Project.

Previous governments have also been claiming that this mining project is a game-changer and that Balochistan can receive 33% financial benefits from it.

In August last year, Barrick Gold, which owns a 50% stake in the project with the remaining 50% owned by the governments of Pakistan and the province of Balochistan, said it was open to bringing in Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as one of its partners in the mine.

Earlier in the month, the military-dominated Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had approved the hiring of consultants to reduce the shareholdings of Pakistan and Barrick Gold equally in favour of Saudi Arabia in the Reko Diq Project.

However, its CEO Mark Bristow made it clear that Barrick would not dilute its equity in the project.

He added that Barrick would support PIF coming into the mine through the Pakistani federal government’s 25% equity stake.

In the year 2022, Barrick Gold ended a long-running dispute with Pakistan in an out-of-court agreement and agreed to restart development

Under the deal, the company withdrew its case in an international arbitration court, which had slapped a penalty of $11 billion on Pakistan for suspending the contracts of the firm and its partners in 2011.

The company’s licence to mine the untapped deposits was cancelled after the Supreme Court ruled illegal the award granted to it and its partner, Chile’s Antofagasta.

Antofagasta had agreed to exit the project, saying its growth strategy was focused on production of copper and by-products in the Americas.

“The new project company shall be owned 50% by Barrick Gold. The remaining 50% shareholding shall be owned by Pakistan, divided equally between the federal government and the provincial government of Balochistan,” a statement from the office of Prime Minister’s Office read after the signing ceremony in Islamabad.

Saudis may invest $1b in Reko Diq | The Express Tribune

Shares of OGDCL, PPL will be sold to Kingdom if it happens

tribune.com.pk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Policeman martyred, 12 injured in Quetta blast

A policeman was martyred, while 12 individuals were injured in a blast near a mosque situated on Kuchlak Road in Quetta, Aaj News reported on Monday.

The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident to determine the nature and cause of the explosion.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order and security in the aftermath of the blast.

The province has witnessed a surge in terrorism activities of late.

In February, at least 12 people were killed and 25 injured in a blast outside a political party’s office in Balochistan’s Pishin region.

Separately, at least 12 people were killed and several injured in a blast that occurred near the JUI-F election office in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah.

Policeman martyred, 12 injured in Quetta blast

A policeman was martyred, while 12 individuals were injured in a blast near a mosque situated on Kuchlak Road in...

www.brecorder.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

This province is treated like a discarded child. No one Is serious about this region.

----------------------------------

9 passengers killed after gunmen check ID cards, abduct them from bus near Noshki

Nine people were killed near Noshki, Balochistan in the early hours of Saturday, when gunmen forced them off a bus they were travelling in and shot them, officials said.

“About 10-12 gunmen blockaded the National Highway in the vicinity of Sultan Charhai near Noshki and abducted nine passengers from a bus,” Deputy Commissioner Habibulla Musakhel told Dawn.com. They checked the identity cards of passengers from a Taftan-bound bus and kidnapped them.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and sought a report into the incident, according to a post on X by PML-N.

He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, saying: “We stand with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

The premier said the perpetrators of this incident of terrorism and their facilitators will be punished.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the root.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad incident, Radio Pakistan reported. He said terrorists would be dealt with iron hands and vowed that terrorists would not succeed in their nefarious designs.

DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Govt vows tough action after Noshki tragedy

Nine people, who planned to reach Europe to live a better life, were shot dead in Balochistan in the small hours of Saturday. The gunmen abducted them from a Taftan-bound bus based on their ethnicity and dumped their bodies under a bridge in a hilly area of Noshki.

In a similar attack possibly by the same gunmen, another two people were killed after they attempted to escape the cordon set up by the assailants on N-40, the Quetta-Noshki Highway.

A spokesperson for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the killings.

According to officials, armed men blocked the highway and started intercepting the vehicles. Soon, they intercepted a passenger coach on its way to Taftan from Quetta and looted the belongings of passengers, including cash and mobile phones.

After checking the identity cards of the passengers, the gunmen separated nine passengers — who had Punjab as their residential address — and took them away at gunpoint.

According to the national identity cards, the victims hailed from Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Mandi Bahauddin.

Upon receiving the information, law enforcement agencies launched a search operation to recover the kidnapped passengers — most of them in their early 20s. However, they were tipped off about the presence of bullet-riddled bodies under a bridge in the hilly terrain of Noshki.

“All the nine people had received multiple bullet injuries on their bodies and were shot at a close range by the abductors,” senior police official Asad Mengal, deployed at the Noshki police station, told Dawn.

“The victims were travelling in the passenger coach on their way to Taftan,” Habibullah Musakhail, Noshki deputy commissioner told Dawn. He added that 10 to 12 armed men blocked the highway, abducted nine people and later killed them.

About the two other deaths, the officials said the two people died in the firing in the same Sultan hilly area of Noshki.

They said a car that tried to force its way through the gunmen’s cordon was fired upon, killing one passenger and injuring four others in the car.

“When the car did not stop, the armed men opened fire at the vehicle, bursting its tyres. As a result, the car turned turtle, Mr Mengal said, adding that two local people were killed in the second attack. One of the car’s passengers was a brother of provincial assembly member Ghulam Dastagir Badini.

The bodies were shifted to Quetta and their funeral prayers were held at Police Lines.

‘Plans to enter Europe’

The nine slain men hailed from different towns of central Punjab and were on their way to Iran from where they were planning to enter Europe via Turkiye.

Sources close to their families told Dawn that the victims had been booked by a Gujranwala-based agent for travel to Iran and Iraq.

They said the victims had valid visas for Iraq and Iran — a fact confirmed by the official sources.

The young men who left their towns on April 7 with visas stamped for Iran and Iraq had no plans to stay in these countries. Locals told Dawn that their actual destination was Europe, which they wanted to reach via Turkiye.

They claimed that the victim had procured valid visas for Iraq and Iran to avoid Iranian immigration authorities.

By pretending to be pilgrims going to holy sites in the two countries, they wanted to avoid the scrutiny of the Iranian border officials who often consider young Pakistanis as illegal immigrants trying to enter Europe via Turkiye, which borders Iran.

Out of the nine victims, six hail from the same village of Chak Fateh Shah in Mandi Bahauddin. Their names were Tanzeel Nasir, 20; Muhammad Qasim, 22; Sajid Imran, 23; Abu Bakar, 23; Muzamil Hussain, 22; and Mazhar Iqbal, 21.

One victim from Chora village of Wazirabad was 17-year-old Wasiq, while Rana Shahzeb from Gujranwala and Javed Shahzed of Afzalpur were also among the slain.

Wasiq’s friends told the media that he had left the village hoping for a bright future in Europe, but lost his life instead. Sources in the families of victims said that the agent had initially received a sum of Rs260,000 per person and more had to be paid after reaching the destination in Europe.

Zahid Imran Butt, however, was the lucky one who survived. He said he survived because he was sitting with “a local family from Balochistan”. He said his nine companions — including six friends from Mandi Bahauddin — were offloaded by two armed men who had initially asked all Punjabis to get off the bus. He confirmed that he along with his friends were going abroad hoping for employment

Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Bhimbher in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are known as profitable areas for illegal human trafficking networks across the globe. Last year, scores of Pakistanis were killed on their way to Europe after their boat capsized.

Security plan

Vowing that the culprits would not go unpunished, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government would revive the security checkpoints on national highways to protect passengers.

Talking to the media after attending the funeral prayers of the nine victims, he said those involved in the horrific killing “are not Baloch but terrorists, and they should be called terrorists”.

The CM said the government would probe the Noshki incident and fix the responsibility.

CM Bugti said they would not negotiate on the killing of innocents and the government would undertake a comprehensive review of the security plan in the province.

“National highways are the most important routes, and we will protect them. We will formulate a security plan again in the province, establishing checkpoints with joint patrolling of the police, Levies, and the FC [Frontier Corps],” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and sought a report on the incident. He extended his condolences to the victims’ families, saying: “We stand with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Balochistan to deploy guards in buses

Pakistan Army personnel patrol stand guard outside a distribution center of polling materials in Peshawar on February 7, 2024, a day before Pakistan’s national elections.

Balochistan government has decided to deploy armed guards in passengers’ vehicles after the deadly Noshki attack.

On Monday, in response to growing concerns over the safety of passengers on national highways, an important meeting chaired by Commissioner Quetta Division, Hamza Shafqaat, convened to address the issue.

The meeting, attended by key officials including Additional Commissioner Quetta Division Suban Dashti, Deputy Commissioner Quetta, Saad Bin Asad, police officials, FC, transporters, and others, culminated in decisive actions aimed at fortifying the security apparatus for travelers.

The meeting decided to deploy armed guards in the passenger buses in the wake-up execution of nine passengers in Balochistan’s Noshki district the other day.

Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras in all passenger coaches was mandated, bolstering surveillance capabilities to monitor and respond to any untoward incidents promptly.

Moreover, the National Highway Security Institutions will intensify patrolling efforts along designated routes, enhancing vigilance and preemptive measures against criminal activities.

Emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts, Commissioner Hamza Shafaqat stressed the imperative of close coordination among pertinent agencies and transporters to safeguard passengers’ welfare.

Furthermore, stringent protocols were established to regulate travel operations, including daytime journeys and organized convoys during nighttime travels under heightened security supervision.

Notably, stringent measures were imposed to restrict unauthorized passengers, underscoring the prioritization of safety protocols.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment to continually assess and adapt security measures in response to evolving threats, underscoring the paramount importance of passenger safety on national highways.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[BouncerGuy]

Noshki attack victims’ families get compensation

The Mandi Bahauddin administration on Tuesday handed over cheques of financial compensation to the families of six victims of the Noshki firing incident in Balochistan.

The cheques of Rs100,000 each were handed over to the families of the victims by Mandi Deputy Commissioner Shahid Marth.

The compensation was given by the Mandi district from its own resources and heirs of three other victims of the firing belonging to Gujranwala and Wazirabad are yet to receive any such amount from their district administrations.

Talking to Dawn by telephone, Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Sheerazi said he had sent directions to the Gujranwala DC to issue cheques of financial assistance to the bereaved families and hopefully the DC would do the needful in a couple of days.

He added that the Balochistan government had also decided to pay some financial assistance to the heirs of the deceased youths as the Noshki deputy Commissioner had approached the DCs of Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala and Wazirabad, seeking details of the families. But the exact amount of financial assistance from the Balochistan government was yet to be known, Mr Sheerazi said.

Earlier, Qul for all the six deceased was held at their native village Chak Fateh Shah in Mandi Bahauddin on Tuesday. The Mandi Bahauddin DC along with the other officials attended prayers for the departed souls.

At least nine young men, from the age of 17 to 23 years, belonging to districts of Mandi, Gujranwala and Wazirabad, were killed by the firing of armed men. They were going to Taftan on the Iran-Pakistan border from Quetta. The attackers, who had set up a cordon on the N-40 Quetta-Noshki Highway, intercepted the bus they were travelling in and looted the belongings of passengers, including cash and mobile phones.

After checking the national identity cards of the passengers, the gunmen separated the nine passengers belonging to Punjab and took them away. Their bullet-riddled bodies were later dumped under a bridge in a hilly area of Noshki. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the killings.

The deceased youths had valid visas of Iran and Iraq; however, the sources in their close families said that these youth had left the houses with intention to go Europe by illegally crossing the borders into Turkey and then Europe.

The deceased hailed from the poor families and they had paid a sum of Rs260,000 each to a Gujranwala-based agent as an initial amount as rest of the amount had to be paid by them after their reaching the destination.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Saudi Arabia inches closer to $1bn Reko Diq deal

Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed Manara Minerals Investment Co., is likely to invest at least $1 billion in the project, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the company could announce a preliminary agreement in the next few weeks.

The development came amid the visits of the high-level Saudi delegations to Pakistan in the recent day.

During a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 16, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Furhan Al Saud said that Pakistan had significant investment opportunities in a multitude of sectors.

Pakistani officials presented a broad presentation on several strategic areas, he said, however, he declined to disclose the targeted sectors.

“This gave us some significant confidence that we will be able to move forward on those projects that we decide to identify as worthy of investment,” Al Saud added.

Earlier, sources had said that Saudi Arabia will invest $1 billion in Reko Diq gold and copper project.

Sources at finance ministry said that the OGDCL and the PPL’s shares will be sold to Saudi Arabia. “There are preparations for Saudi investment next month,” sources said.

Reko Diq is considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold mines. The project is being restarted after remaining on hold since 2011.

“Reko Diq is one of the bigger copper-gold undeveloped projects in the world,” said Mark Bristow, chief executive of Barrick, which aims to start mining in 2028 subject to an ongoing feasibility study. “It’s a very big deal. Any copper mine right now is a big deal.”

Last year in December, Pakistan and Barrick Gold Corporation signed $8 billion landmark agreement on Reko Diq project.

Saudi Arabia inches closer to $1bn Reko Diq deal

Saudi Arabia is inching closer to sign a deal for a minority stake in Barrick Gold's Reko Diq copper and gold project located in Chagai district in

arynews.tv

 

[hassan918]

No overnight solution to missing persons issue: Law Minister Tarar​

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Tuesday that the issue of missing persons could “not be solved overnight” but the government was committed to finding a solution by first achieving a consensus amongst all stakeholders.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the law minister said the issue — which he said dates back four decades — could “not be solved overnight in haste or due to someone’s anxiety or someone speaking on social media platforms or even court directives”.

The law minister emphasised that when discussing the issue of missing persons, it must be noted that Pakistan had performed the role of a frontline state in a war-ridden area for the past four decades, adding that the circumstances in neighbouring countries had further exacerbated internal challenges.

Azam noted that the people and army of Pakistan had paid an “unbelievable price” in the fight against terrorism with their sacrifices, adding that the same must be taken into consideration when finding a solution to the issue of missing persons.

The law minister noted that work towards solving the issuing of missing persons began under the PPP government in 2011 when the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances was formed. Following that, the Supreme Court took notice of the matter and formed a commission.

Around 10,200 cases were sent to the commission, from which 7,900 cases have been solved while 23 per cent of the cases remain to be solved, Azam noted.

He said that during the tenure of the previous PML-N-led coalition government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee alongside representatives of other coalition parties.

The committee met with various stakeholders during their visit to Quetta, the law minister said, recalling that he had asked for a report about missing persons.

Azam added that under the current tenure of Shehbaz, directives were issued to restart work on the inquiry of enforced disappearances, with the prime minister ordering that the committee be reconstituted. He noted that there will also be a “parliamentary presence” in the committee.

While acknowledging that a lot of work remained to be done with issues arising from both sides, Azam took a firm stance in noting that there was no lack of seriousness from the government about the issue.

He said the alleged involvement of government institutions in the issue could not be rejected outright, however, he added: “What needs to be seen is whether, till today, any solid or concrete evidence has come. From what I saw in the report, till I was on the committee, the answer is in the negative.”

The law minister further questioned whether inquiry reports, such as the one on missing persons, were always credible.

“Are people who have been registered as missing persons really missing?” he asked, recalling a case in Sindh where people registered as missing persons were actually serving jail time at a prison.

The law minister said the issue was not a simple one to solve and he would aim to resolve it through legal and political means by achieving a consensus amongst all stakeholders. The information minister also reiterated the same, as well as the government’s commitment to solve the issue.

However, he said it was the job of the executive to find a solution and any judicial committee would nullify the efforts of previous inquiry commissions and cabinet committees.

No overnight solution to missing persons issue: Law Minister Tarar

Claims govt wants to solve the matter but "solid, concrete" evidence needed about alleged involvement of state institutions.

www.dawn.com

 

[hassan918]

This is a serious issue and it must be solved soon.

 

[BouncerGuy]

CM names panel on missing persons

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced the formation of a parliamentary committee aimed at ensuring peace and resolving the missing persons issue in the province.

“We are committed to creating a comprehensive plan that ensures peace and order prevail in Balochistan, allowing our people to live without fear,” the chief minister said while addressing a news conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in the provincial capital the other day.

The committee, inclusive of representation from opposition parties, would not only address issues pertaining to peace and missing persons but also deliberate on various challenges encountered by Balochistan. Its primary focus would be on formulating effective policies to tackle these matters.

The chief minister underscored the significance of dialogue in resolving the issues faced by the province. “Seeking peaceful solutions is imperative. Nevertheless, in the event of failed negotiations, we must explore alternative measures,” he asserted.

Addressing the pressing issue of missing persons, Bugti noted that the “dilemma” was of a “significant concern” for the nation.

Referring to the commission on enforced disappearances, the chief minister observed that the body resolved 80 per cent of the cases, while also acknowledging the challenges in identifying the missing individuals.

Bugti cautioned against blaming institutions regarding missing persons, saying government bears the responsibility to locate any missing citizen, regardless of circumstances.

The chief minister condemned the recent acts of violence in Balochistan including the killing of an individual in Kohlu district during by-polls on PB-9.

Denouncing the banned outfits which inflicted harm on innocent civilians, Bugti urged citizens to unite against terrorism.

He also highlighted external factors contributing to terrorism in the region. “Those who perpetrate acts of terrorism in the name of religion are receiving support from across the border in Afghanistan.”

The announcement of the parliamentary committee underscores a concerted effort by the government to address the longstanding issues in Balochistan, with a focus on fostering peace, security, and reconciliation in the troubled region.

A day earlier, the federal government said it had decided to reconstitute the cabinet committee on missing persons, with the inclusion of parliamentary representation.

Addressing a news conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in Islamabad, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said resolving the issue of missing persons required time, stressing that it “could not be resolved overnight”, and added that the government was committed to achieving a consensus among all stakeholders.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bugti vows to protect govt assets, improve urban infrastructure in Quetta

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday committed to safeguarding government-owned assets and properties, including those under the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) and other local bodies, valued at billions of rupees.

His remarks came amid ongoing issues involving unauthorised occupancy and non-payment of rent by tenants of these properties.

Talking to the media after visiting Quetta’s sole parking plaza, built by the QMC, Mr Bugti said that assets owned by the corporation and other institutions would not be wasted under any circumstances and urged all citizens, including lawyers, to support the government’s initiatives aimed at improving the city.

He highlighted the misuse of government properties, noting that many occupants have long defaulted on nominal rents.

Mr Bugti revealed that the parking plaza, despite being a seven-storey facility, lacks elevators and has unfinished sections, leading to the suspension of the contractor and the launch of an inquiry.

He also outlined plans to improve the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of a new hotel on the plaza’s rooftop through a public-private partnership.

He said the government would also establish another parking plaza in the old meat market’s available space, aiming to overcome roadside problems and provide safe parking places for commuters.

He said a lifter would be provided to traffic police on the same public-private partnership model as there is a single lifter with the police in Quetta.

The chief minister said that efforts would be made to improve the condition of Baldia plaza and directed to revise its rent agreements as the QMC is collecting rent on a monthly basis.

He said that Kandhari Bazar, Jinnah Road and encircling roads would be declared as walking streets.

Mr Bugti said that there is a lack of resources in Balochistan and the available resources are not being used properly, which does not benefit the public. “We will improve Quetta’s sewerage, parking and drainage systems,” he said.

The chief minister also pointed out the significant increase in revenue from the Circular Road parking plaza — from Rs6,000 to Rs1 million monthly — since the government took active steps to better manage the facility.

However, he criticised the corruption that has plagued local development projects, including a contractor who fled with an advance payment.

He stressed the need for community involvement in maintaining public cleanliness and highlighted plans to tackle corruption in road maintenance funding. Each district has been allocated Rs5 million for this purpose, he said.

Expressing his regret over the occupants of the government-leased properties, he said that the rent of Baldia cafe has not been paid for the last seven months, which must be submitted to the office concerned.

“We must introduce a new mechanism under our current resources, and we can generate revenue through the Mines and Minerals Department and Metropolitan Corporation,” he added.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[PakLFC]

Watch and ponder over these programmes. My friend in Noshki, Baluchistan tells me it is a very accurate picture off what is happening there.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Transporters threaten highway blockade in Balochistan

The striking transporters, who had suspended operations on the Quetta-Taftan and other routes for the last one week, demanding the cancellation of new SOPs and the removal of newly established checkpoints following the tragic incident in Noshki, have threatened to block all national highways linking Balochistan with other provinces if their demands are not met within the next 48 hours.

The provincial government had taken serious notice of the Noshki incident, in which nine people from Punjab province were gunned down by unknown armed men after being kidnapped from a Taftan-bound passenger bus. These victims were en route to European countries via Iran and Iraq.

In response, the government decided to reassess its security plan to ensure safe travel on national highways.

As part of the revised security plan, the provincial government decided to reinstate security checkpoints on the Quetta-Taftan, Quetta-Karachi, coastal highway, and other routes.

Additionally, SOPs were developed for bus owners operating coaches and buses to ensure passenger safety.

Thess SOPs included arranging at least two security guards in every coach and bus and maintaining a record of passengers with their national identity cards.

According to the SOPs issued to the transporters running coaches and buses on the Quetta-Taftan section and coastal highway, they were instructed not to allow passengers who travel with passports and visas.

The checkpoints reinstated at various routes had been removed by previous governments following demands from coalition partners, political parties, and human rights organisations.

These groups argued that security forces, including Customs, Frontier Corps, Levies, and Coast Guards humiliated passengers under the pretext of security checks.

Representatives of the All Quetta-Taftan, Dalbandin, Chagai, Mashkel, Saindak and Rakhsan Bus Transport Union Alliance termed the new SOPs one-sided. They stated that the authorities concerned did not consult with the transporters’ union alliance, which they find unacceptable.

“The SOPs imposed by the government for transporters are very strict and not feasible for the bus owners,” said Lala Saeed Jan Lehri, a representative of the transporters’ union alliance, speaking at a press conference last week along with other transporters.

He emphasised that transporters had been operating buses and coaches on these routes for the last 40 years, with passengers travelling with passports and visas for various countries via Iran, Iraq, and Turkiye being their main source of income.

He also pointed out that buses were being checked at all checkpoints despite initial checks at the entry point in Taftan, causing difficulties for passenger transporters.

“Checks should be conducted at a checkpoint at the first entry point,” Mr Lehri added.

The striking transporters’ spokesman said that security on highways was the responsibility of the state and the government.

He warned that if the transporters’ demands were not met within the next 48 hours, they would block all national highways, suspending all traffic until their demands are accepted.

A spokesman for the Balochistan government said that steps had been taken by the authorities concerned to ensure the safety of passengers travelling on these routes in coaches and buses.

“We already provide security to pilgrims travelling for ziarats to Iran and Iraq. They travel in a security convoy,” he said.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Twin blasts leave one dead, 20 injured in Balochistan’s Duki

As per details, the first explosion occurred when a truck hit a landmine, followed by a second blast as people gathered at the scene.

The police officials stated that both landmine blasts resulted in the killing of one citizen whereas 17 others sustained injuries. The injured are being transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Last month, a policeman was martyred, while 20 individuals sustained injuries in a blast near a mosque situated on Kuchlak Road in Quetta.

According to rescue sources, an Eagle Squad official embraced martyrdom while 12 people including five security personnel were injured.

The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident to determine the nature and cause of the explosion.

The province has witnessed a surge in terrorism activities of late.

In February, at least 12 people were killed and 25 injured in a blast outside a political party’s office in Balochistan’s Pishin region.

Separately, at least 12 people were killed and several injured in a blast that occurred near the JUI-F election office in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah.

Twin blasts leave one dead, 20 injured in Balochistan's Duki

DUKI: At least one dead, whereas 20 others injured twin landmine blasts occurred near Thaikedar Naddi in Duki district of Balochistan, ARY News reported.

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

From proxies of RAW to the wadera system to negligence of the Pakistan government. I wonders how long the people of Balochistan have to suffer

 

[BouncerGuy]

Balochistan transporters end strike after talks with CM Bugti

Transporters from across Balochistan have called off their strike launched after the government implemented new SOPs for passengers following last month’s attack on a bus in Noshki.

The transporters have also ended their sit-in on the highways after successful negotiations with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

According to reports, Minister for Agriculture Mir Ali Madad Jattak, Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, Quetta Division Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafqaat and PPP MPA Mir Liaquat Lehri played an important role in breaking the ice between the government and protesting transporters.

They held “meaningful talks” with the leaders of the transport alliance the other day and assured that they would arrange their meeting with the chief minister.

On Saturday, a delegation of the transporters met with CM Bugti to discuss their concerns.

After hearing their grievances, the CM assured them that their legitimate demands would be accepted and the government would extend all help to the transporters and ensure their security.

However, he said the action against smuggling will continue and that security checkpoints on highways will remain intact.

He also said that even though protest was a constitutional right, blocking roads causing inconvenience for the public will be met with legal action.

The CM also directed the Home Department to ensure that passenger buses were not stopped for more than 15 to 20 minutes at the checkpoints.

It was also decided in the meeting that the transporters would take measures for the passengers’ safety.

“One security guard will travel in each bus, and strict adherence to the government-issued regulations will be ensured in the public interest,” the chief minister said.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[hassan918]

Holding PSL in Balochistan on the cards: Naqvi​

QUETTA (APP) – Federal Home and Tribal Affairs Minister and Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, said that national and international sports events can be organised in Balochistan.

“Holding of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Quetta is being mulled over,” he said while addressing a press conference during his visit to Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, and PCB officials accompanied the Minister in the press conference.

Mohsin Naqvi also visited the Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti Stadium, where he was briefed by the PCB officials.

Addressing the news briefing, he said, “On the special invitation of the Chief Minister Balochistan, he has visited the Akbar Bugti Stadium.”

Installation of floodlights was the longstanding demand of the provincial government; he said announcing that the floodlights will be installed within three months.

“The installation of floodlights will help promote cricket and sports activities in the province, which is rich in talent. Youth of the province will be provided opportunities at the national level,” he added.

Earlier, Chief Minister Balochsitan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti extended his gratitude to the federal minister for giving attention to the sports in Balochistan.

Source: Dunya News