DERA GHAZI KHAN: A seminar titled “Dialogue Session with Baloch Students on Enhancing Connectivity for National Security” was held at the Ghazi University on Thursday with the aim to highlight the promotion of national unity, inter-provincial harmony, and mutual trust.

Dera Ghazi Khan Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry attended as the chief guest, while Regional Police Officer Muhammad Azhar Akram participated as the guest of honour. The seminar was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ashfaq Ahmed Chattha with Prof Dr Rashida Qazi serving as the moderator.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chaudhry stated that national security depended not only on military strength but also on social harmony, political stability, economic resilience, and public trust in state institutions. He emphasised that strengthening unity, trust, and mutual cooperation among all segments of the country was a pressing need to effectively counter internal and external threats.

The commissioner welcomed the enthusiastic participation of Baloch students in the seminar, noting it as crucial for national unity and solidarity. He said that DG Khan, being located at the heart of Pakistan, served as a shining example of inter-provincial harmony and a confluence of national unity.

He said, “As Pakistanis, we are all one, and the Baloch community in Punjab has always been treated with respect and dignity without any prejudice.”

The government and the people of Punjab had always kept their hearts open for the people of Balochistan, he added.

In his address, Mr Akram said that Balochistan was Pakistan’s largest, most beautiful, and hospitable region, whose people were the living examples of love, sincerity, and brotherhood. He stated that the people of Balochistan had always been viewed with respect and affection in Punjab, and law-enforcement agencies were playing their full role in promoting peace, harmony, and mutual respect.

Prof Chattha said that Ghazi University had been taking practical steps to promote national unity. He informed that Baloch students from Balochistan were being provided free education facilities in Punjab to ensure that there were no disparity in educational opportunities.

He further added that dozens of farmers and businessmen from Balochistan, including Panjgur, participated in the Date Festival held at Ghazi University, which promoted inter-provincial economic and cultural ties. Similarly, poets, scholars, artists, and students from all provinces of Pakistan attended the Inter-Provincial Harmony Convention, with strong representation from Balochistan, all conveying the shared message that “the color of blood is one”, he added.

Baloch students also expressed their views on the seminar’s theme, expressing satisfaction that they were pursuing their education in a safe, peaceful, and friendly environment, where they enjoyed equality, respect, and equal opportunities for advancement.

During the event, Balochi songs were sung, representing the Baloch culture, while an informative documentary highlighting the history, culture, and national significance of Balochistan was also screened, which was highly appreciated by the audience.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants visited cultural and Balochi book stalls set up by Baloch students, and traditional Balochi Jhumar was performed, receiving great applause from the attendees.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026