QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the JUI-F leadership on Tuesday agreed to constitute a committee to address the issue of allotment of chromite mines to a non-local individual in Muslim Bagh, Qila Saifullah district.

The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by a JUI-F delegation led by its provincial emir, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey, along with tribal elders and leaders of different political parties.

According to a statement issued by the JUI-F, the controversial allotment had caused strong unrest among local tribes in Muslim Bagh. As soon as the matter surfaced, local tribal communities reacted strongly, terming the decision a violation of their rights and staging protests.

“In view of the situation and concerns of the tribal elders, the government decided to suspend the disputed allotment of the mines area, calling it unfair,” it added.

Following the development, a JUI-F delegation led by Maulana Wasey held a detailed meeting with the chief minister. The meeting included discussions on local ownership of natural resources, provincial autonomy and protection of public interests.

The chief minister assured the delegation that both the Balochistan government and JUI-F share a common stance on protecting public rights. He stated that under no circumstances would non-local elements be given preference in the province’s resources, and that all such matters would be resolved in a transparent and fair manner.

He also announced the formation of a joint committee comprising government representatives, tribal elders and relevant stakeholders. The committee will review all aspects of the issue and propose recommendations to ensure protection of local rights, fair distribution of resources and sustainable development.

Maulana Wasey thanked the chief minister and said the JUI-F would continue to raise its voice for public rights and support all steps taken in the interest of the people of the province. He emphasised that the people of local areas, including Muslim Bagh, have the first right over natural resources, and that no compromise would be made on this principle.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2026