State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday reaffirmed the government’s readiness to engage with Balochistan’s leadership and political representatives to find practical solutions to the province’s longstanding issues as the Opposition’s PTI staged a walkout from the House, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister said that although a protest is ongoing on a major road in the Red Zone in front of National Press, authorities have been providing security and necessary facilitation for several days.
“The government, along with the district administration, has been in continuous contact with the protesters, trying to address their concerns through proper channels,” he added.
He said, that while the protest was initially meant to highlight specific issues, some individuals have at times misused it for personal or political point-scoring. “We remain in dialogue with the protestors and are ready to engage with them on a comprehensive plan to address their lawful demands,” he said.
He highlighted previous efforts by political parties, including discussions with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and other leadership, as well as the Prime Minister’s Committee on Balochistan, where these issues were addressed openly.
On the issue of missing persons, he clarified that nearly 2,000 registered cases exist under the law, and the relevant commission monitors these matters strictly according to rules. “The government does not allow any one to act beyond legal boundaries, and the issue of missing persons should not be politicized or used for ulterior purposes,” he added.
Responding to another point, he said, “Holding political gatherings without proper clearance creates soft targets, whether school buses, markets, mosques, or other public spaces. Terrorists exploit these vulnerabilities.”
He said that security assessments must be completed before any event proceeds to ensure public safety.
He said that National Action Plan, developed in coordination with all provincial governments and political parties, will significantly reduce terrorism.
All resources for rehabilitation of flood victims
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said all available resources will be utilized with the cooperation of the provinces for the rehabilitation of flood affected people.
Winding up discussion on a motion regarding the situation arising out of the recent floods, in the National Assembly, Tarar said one point three billion rupees have been released to the NDMA for rescue and relief efforts.
The Law Minister said according to the latest data, eight hundred and 84 people have died and 1181 others injured in the floods. He said evacuation of 2.1 million people was carried out in the flood affected areas.
Giving details of the compensation package, he said that two million rupees each have been given to the families of the deceased, five hundred thousand rupees to severely injured and two hundred thousand rupees to other injured people.
Participating in the discussion on the motion, Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal emphasized the need for empowering and strengthening local government system in order to effectively deal with disasters such as floods. He also called for construction of dams to enhance water storage capacity.
Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri emphasized the need for provision of timely relief to the flood affected people.
Jamal Shah Kakar said problems of Balochistan should be addressed on priority basis.
Usman Badini said a parliamentary committee should be constituted to address the problems of Balochistan.
Responding to the points regarding Balochistan situation, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary condemned the recent terror attack on a political rally in Quetta. He emphasized the need for strict implementation of National Action Plan in cooperation with the provinces to wipe out terrorism.
The House has now been prorogued.
Reporter Rozina Ali
