ISLAMABAD: The Jamaat-i-Islami on Friday called off its planned protest march to Islamabad and announced it would end a sit-in outside the Lahore Press Club within 24 hours, after reaching an agreement with the federal government on demands central to its “Haq Do Balochistan Long March”.

The announcement was made during a joint news conference by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Jamaat-i-Islami Vice President Liaqat Baloch.

They were joined by the long march’s leader, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, who is also the provincial JI chief, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

Under the agreement, the government has committed to taking practical steps to legalise border trade from Chaman to Gwadar and to issue a formal notification directing respectful conduct toward civilians at security checkpoints across Balochistan.

Agreement includes legalising border trade, respectful security conduct, and local fishing rights

The deal also aims to eliminate illegal fishing at Gwadar and ensure local fishermen are allowed to fish in accordance with the law.

Mr Sanaullah said Balochistan “was the heart of Pakistan and the government was committed to the province’s development”.

He vowed to work with the people of Balochistan to defeat elements seeking unrest.

It was also announced that a committee comprising political parties from Balochistan and other stakeholders will be formed to address remaining demands.

The committee is tasked with drafting recommendations and a roadmap for implementation to be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the press conference, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman formally announced the sit-in outside the Lahore Press Club would end.

The “Haq Do Balochistan Long March” began in Quetta on July 25.

Protesters had been camped in Lahore awaiting the outcome of negotiations between JI and government committees, which were led by Liaqat Baloch and Rana Sanaullah, respectively.

Emir of JI, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, had earlier warned that the marchers would proceed toward Islamabad if their demands were not met.

Mr Baloch expressed hope that the people of Balochistan would be granted their rightful ownership of the province’s natural resources and called for serious efforts to address the issue of missing persons.

Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd, 2025