KHUZDAR/QUETTA: On Thursday, a political and tribal jirga was held in Khuzdar to review the government’s efforts to normalize the situation and discuss Balochistan’s security concerns, rising terrorist attacks, pressing issues affecting citizens, such as health, education, unemployment, and administrative challenges.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Commander of the 12 Corps Lt Gen Rahat Naseem Khan, tribal elders, political party leaders, and members of civil society were among the high-ranking officials who attended the jirga. In addition, ministers, the chief secretary, and other high-ranking government officials were present.
Various issues were brought up by participants, one of which was the root causes of the rising rate of terrorism. They emphasized that youth anxiety was being fueled by unemployment, the closure of the Iran border, and the suspension of Iranian petroleum supplies, all of which were leading them toward negative influences.
Dawn was told by a senior official that the Khuzdar jirga was part of a plan by the Balochistan government to hold such gatherings in all eight divisions of the province to directly engage with the people, give them a place to talk about their problems and learn how the government is working to solve the problems people face.
CM Bugti and Lieutenant General Naseem reassured the participants of the jirga that the government was committed to resolving their issues.
Talking at the social affair, Mr Bugti commented that issues in Balochistan were well established, and the public still up in the air to determine them through political exchange. He emphasized that the government was open to productive discussions with those who were willing to participate within the framework of the Constitution. However, he deemed it regrettable and intolerable to murder innocent laborers who come to the province to earn a living.
Mr. Bugti stated, “The government is committed to a coordinated, organized, and transparent approach for the welfare and prosperity of the people,” and he added that the government has developed a strategy to promote health and education.
He emphasized the importance of merit-based job creation and an efficient accountability system in ensuring that public funds are used effectively for the benefit of the people.
Mr. Bugti said that the people of Balochistan were patriotic and eager for development, supporting the government’s plan for progress. He announced a policy of sending youngsters abroad for education, and preparations to equip the next generation with higher education are already under way.
