Independent Report
QUETTA: The Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has stated that the issue of unrest and conflict in certain districts of the province is essentially a political matter that also has a sustainable political solution.
He emphasized that no matter how tense or discouraging the situation becomes, the doors for consultation and continuous dialogue must remain open.
Speaking at a jirga (traditional gathering) in Dalbandin, a city in the Rakhshan Division, the Governor highlighted that given the rich traditions and values of the Pashtun and Baloch peoples, it is still possible to find lasting solutions to pressing issues through community-based mechanisms like jirga and maraka (tribal gatherings).
The event was attended by a wide range of participants, including Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Commander 12 Corps Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmad Khan, provincial ministers, senior civil and military officials, local dignitaries, women, students, and people from various walks of life.
The gathering began with laying a floral wreath and offering fateha (prayer) at the Martyrs’ Monument.
The Governor expressed optimism that the grand jirga, which focused on establishing lasting peace, economic stability, and upholding merit in Balochistan, would yield positive results.
He noted that jirgas are a proud national tradition used to address both internal and external challenges.
The purpose of holding such jirgas at the divisional level, he said, is to gain direct and accurate insight into local ground realities and the problems faced by the people. He also appreciated the role of former Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo in securing 25% of the Reko Diq project profits for Balochistan, a development that promises prosperity for the entire region.
Governor Mandokhail stressed that organizing jirgas at the divisional level helps in capturing the voice of the often-silent majority and raises awareness among district administrations and other government institutions. Referring to his own political experience, he warned that ignoring genuine public opinion and collective problems can lead to significant political and social risks.
He acknowledged that the youth of Balochistan are facing serious hardships due to poverty, inflation, and unemployment. Therefore, he called for immediate and serious decisions to address these complex challenges.
Despite the current difficulties, the Governor expressed hope that viable and widely acceptable political solutions can still be found for the region’s tensions, economic hardships, and political crises. He concluded by saying that today’s jirga presents an opportunity to combine everyone’s perspectives and create a unified action plan that will promote peace, development, and prosperity.
