QUETTA: Jamaat-i-Islami Balochistan Emir Maulana Hidayatur Rehman on Thursday threatened to lead protest march to the army’s general headquarters if the federal government fails to implement an eight-point agreement within six months.

He delivered the ultimatum at a press conference after leading a protest march from Quetta to Islamabad.

“If these demands are not fulfilled within six months, Jamaat-i-Islami will be compelled to resume protests, including a sit-in from Quetta to GHQ in Rawalpindi,” said Mr Rehman, who is also a member of the provincial assembly.

He warned that without providing basic civic amenities to the people of Gwadar, including electricity supply, clean drinking water, health care and job opportunities, the Gwadar deep-sea port could not be made formally operational.

If the “issues of the people, which are increasing with every passing day, were not addressed, the government will have to cross our bodies,” he added.

The party’s long march, which began on July 25, was organised to protest what Mr Rehman described as ongoing injustices in the province.

These include lawlessness, enforced disappearances, humiliation at security checkpoints, the unchecked presence of the Frontier Corps, border closures and the “stranglehold of the trawler mafia”.

The march also demanded the recovery of missing persons and an end to throwing the bodies in deserted places, the release of political prisoners, and for the people of Balochistan to be granted control over their natural resources and coastal assets.

Mr Rehman accused the provincial government of failing to represent the people of Balochistan. “Resolutions passed in the Balochistan Assembly have no practical value,” he said. “The government must play its role in resolving the people’s issues rather than acting as a mouthpiece for others.”

He said a committee was previously formed to ensure the implementation of the eight-point agenda.

He warned that if there is no progress, his party will hold a “Jirga”, with other political and trade organisations to decide on a future strategy.

Mr Rehman also criticised the government’s security efforts despite allocation of Rs80 billion to law enforcement for maintaining peace.

“This money isn’t meant for eating snacks, but for fulfilling responsibilities — something they’ve failed to do,” he said. “We will continue raising our voice for the rights of our people, including transporters, at every available platform, including the assembly floor.”

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2025