Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has asked the establishment to change its policies towards Balochistan and ensure that the people of the region are given their due share of rights.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Balochistan’s burning problems and their solutions“ At the Karachi Press Club, Rehman emphasized that the ruling elite and establishment must recognize the legitimate demands of the citizens of Balochistan. He stated that if the people of Balochistan were given respect and their rights, they would prove to be even more patriotic.
“To solve the problems of Balochistan, we must engage with the real leaders of the region,” he said. He added that the current representatives in the Balochistan assembly did not truly represent the people of the province.
Rehman called for the activation of the missing persons commission, urging that the use of force cease and that the missing be returned. He asserted that if someone is a criminal or terrorist they must be tried in court in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
“There is nothing in any constitution that allows the forced disappearance of people,” Rehman said, reaffirming his support for Baloch leaders in Karachi.
Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, would raise its voice across the country for the rights of Balochistan, adding that the party was planning large rallies in Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar, including a historic meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
Rehman also addressed the economic and infrastructure challenges faced by Balochistan. He urged the government to ensure provision of basic services and facilities to the people of Balochistan, who he noted could be a key player in the development of Pakistan.
He highlighted that Balochistan has immense potential for solar energy production and should receive a greater share of the profits from its mineral resources.
Rehman proposed that 20% of the revenue from Balochistan’s mineral resources be allocated to the people of the province, which he believed would help accelerate both regional and national development. He further emphasized the need for a highway connecting Quetta to Karachi, noting that lack of infrastructure was causing annual deaths.
“Every year, 8,000 people lose their lives in road accidents between Quetta and Karachi due to lack of proper roads,” he concluded.
