LAHORE: The Haq Do Balochistan will stage a protest camp in front of the Lahore Press Club and, in the meanwhile, a high-level federal government committee will hold talks with Balochistan Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Maulana Hidayatur Rehman.

This was decided after two-day negotiations between the JI and the Punjab government that were successfully concluded here on Wednesday.

An announcement to this effect was made during a joint press conference addressed by JI Naib Emir Liaqat Baloch and Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.

JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem, Balochistan Emir Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, provincial ministers Salman Rafique and Sohail Bhatti, along with JI Punjab Central Emir Javed Kasuri and Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari were also present.

Punjab govt, JI agree on the venue after negotiations

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Baloch declared that JI and the people of Punjab stood firmly with the people of Balochistan and would not compromise on their constitutional rights.

Ms Aurangzeb announced that a high-powered federal committee, comprising federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi, Jam Kamal, Atta Tarar, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, federal interior secretary, and special secretary, would lead the negotiations.

She said that a delegation headed by Maulana Hidayat would meet the committee in Islamabad and the Punjab government would act as a facilitator throughout the process. She conveyed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s gratitude to JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Liaqat Baloch, Ameerul Azeem, and Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, and assured that the Punjab government fully supported the legitimate demands of the people of Balochistan.

Ms Aurangzeb also apologised for the difficulties faced by the marchers upon entering Punjab and pledged that the provincial government would ensure dignified treatment and hospitality for all the participants as guests of the province.

Mr Baloch expressed the hope that Maryam Nawaz, who had previously raised her voice for Balochistan’s missing persons while in opposition, would continue that commitment as chief minister. He reiterated JI’s call for a political solution to national issues and emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive national dialogue.

JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem added that the party stood with the people of Balochistan and stressed that granting their rights was the only path to lasting peace.

Maulana Hidayat said the people of Balochistan sought peace, recognition of their right to provincial resources, legalisation of cross-border trade, an end to humiliation in the name of security, and the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch and other detainees. He expressed hope that the government would respond positively to these constitutional and democratic demands.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2025