QUETTA: Haq Do Teh­reek (HDT) leader and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman has strongly condemned the use of force on the convoy of Baloch Yak­jehti Committee supporters near Mastung and ann­o­unced that he is now joining opposition benches in the Balochistan Assem­bly.

“I will not support the coalition government anymore,” the HDT leader said.

“I don’t understand why the government created hurdles and disallowed a peaceful gathering in Gwadar while the Constitution allows everyone to hold such peaceful public meetings.”

Mr Rehman criticised the provincial government for not fulfilling its responsibilities which led to violent incidents.

He also condemned the closure of mobile phone and internet services and roads and said it was not morally or constitutionally justified.

He said there are reports of firing in Gwadar, but it is difficult to verify these reports now due to the suspension of internet and mobile phone services in the area.

The MPA said problems of the people should be resolved through dialogue and not by resorting to use of force and violence against mothers and sisters of the province.

He said he did not want to see Balochistan burning and that was the reason he had decided to sit on the opposition ben­ches in the provincial ass­embly.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2024