QUETTA: The newly elected emir of Jamaat-i-Islami Balo­chis­tan, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, has opposed the closure of trade activities in border areas.

While addressing a press conference after a party meeting on tuesday, Mr Rehman said the provincial apex committee’s decision in this regard left hundreds of thousands of people jobless in Makran and other areas of the province.

He also highlighted the plight of the families of missing persons, who were protesting on the streets for the recovery of their loved ones.

Mr Rehman, who consistently raised his voice against illegal fishing in Gwadar’s water when he was leading the Haq Do Tehreek, once again said the trawler mafia was “dominating the Gwadar coast”.

Hidayatur Rehman says decision left thousands without jobs

He alleged that the federal government was backing the trawler mafia while the provincial cabinet was powerless and unaware of what was happening.

The JI leader was also critical of the provincial government and law and order institutions over their failure to maintain law and order in the province despite a budget of over Rs80 billion.

He claimed that 40 young people had lost their lives in targetted attacks in Panjgur, but the authorities concerned did nothing.

He said the JI would present a charter of demands on November 10, and if the government didn’t demonstrate seriousness in resolving the issues, the party would launch a protest movement and hold a long march.

Mr Rehman Hidayat climbed the youth of Balochistan, who was disillusioned with the country, its politics, judiciary, and other institutions.

The increasing unemployment in border areas was worsening the situation, he lamented.

He also claimed that smugglers and influential individuals were enjoying the closure of trade activities as their illegal businesses were flourishing.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024