In the wake of rising insurgency across Balochistan, the government on Friday emphasised that the option of dialogue — through which terrorism in the province can be addressed — has always been offered, even allowing the opposition members to participate in the process.
Balochistan faces a spate of attacks targeting the police and security forces, and in some cases, civilians hailing from Punjab.
A press conference by the Balochistan government was held in Quetta today by spokesperson Shahid Rind and provincial ministers Mir Shoaib Nosherwani and Zahoor Ahmed Buledi.
Nosherwani acknowledged the recent “wave of terrorism” in Balochistan, saying: “These are unconventional incidents, so they must be dealt with in an unconventional manner through a new strategy.
“Intelligence input, consensus from the people, and public support is important,” Nosherwani added.
Nosherwani admitted that concerns about Balochistan are frequently brought up at various forums, particularly about “bad governors” and corruption, which fuels terrorism.
“We understand that this is a big issue but it is not something new; this has been ongoing for decades,” he said, adding that the government is determined to improve the situation, move towards “good” governance, and put an end to corruption.
He said that in the previous budget, the government has made efforts to directly provide relief to the people of Balochistan, but as soon as the respite begins, terrorist attacks rise again.
“No government want to solve issues through violence or war or operations; any government would want to resolve things without any harm.
“The Balochistan chief minister from day one has always extended his invitation for dialogue. Those who have a mandate, those who talk about the grievances of Balochistan, all doors are open for them. Please come and have dialogue,” he said.
Balochistan government spokesperson Rind followed up on this point as he spoke at the press conference, saying the government’s policies are clear on terrorist activities.
“The chief minister has made the offer for dialogue several times on the assembly floor, that even if a member of the opposition has initiative for dialogue, he is willing to give that after which the negotiations will begin.”
He noted that in the previous year three sessions were held in the Balochistan Assembly to address terrorism — one of the sessions being in-camera — and “everyone was taken on board for the first time”.
