Pakistan’s Economic Future Depends on Peace, Stability in Balochistan: Governor

Governor calls for greater youth participation in policymaking as Jamaat-e-Islami announces national conference on Balochistan in September

Staff Report

QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Monday said Pakistan’s economic future is closely linked to lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Balochistan, stressing that the province’s complex challenges require long-term and practical solutions.

He said development cannot take place without peace, while lasting peace is impossible without social justice and public confidence in state institutions.

The governor made these remarks during a meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Central Deputy Ameer Liaquat Baloch and Provincial Ameer and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch at the Governor House in Quetta.

Mandokhel emphasized the importance of involving young people in policymaking and decision-making processes, noting that youth make up the largest segment of Pakistan's population and represent the country's greatest strength through their energy and creativity.

He said empowering young people would enable them to become active partners in Pakistan's development and help build a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Balochistan through collective efforts.

Separately, expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Deputy Ameer Liaquat Baloch announced that the party will convene a national conference in September to formulate recommendations for restoring peace and addressing Balochistan's challenges.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Baloch said the federal government should have convened a national conference in consultation with its coalition partners to resolve the province's issues. He also criticized opposition parties for failing to play a constructive role in addressing Balochistan's longstanding problems. "The situation demanded that political and democratic forces come together to improve conditions in Balochistan, but unfortunately that has not happened," he said.

Baloch said leaders, stakeholders, and prominent figures from across the political spectrum would be invited to the September conference to develop a collective strategy for peace and stability.

He recalled that the Haq Do Tehreek, led by Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, was launched to highlight the rights and concerns of the people of Balochistan. He said the government had promised to form a committee following the movement's sit-in in Islamabad. Condemning the recent incidents in Hanna Orak and Ziarat, Baloch called for the restoration of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and stressed that the rights of local communities should not be undermined by border trade arrangements with Iran.

Highlighting the potential of Balochistan's youth, he said Jamaat-e-Islami has expanded its Bano Qabil programme to equip young people and women with education and skills. Baloch also expressed concern over the impact of terrorism on the people of Balochistan and urged authorities to ensure that security measures are implemented with respect for the rights and dignity of civilians.