GWADAR: Civil, military and community leaders agreed during a grand jirga on Thursday to bolster coordination between the government, security institutions and the public to promote lasting peace and inclusive development in Balochistan.

The traditional assembly in Gwadar was attended by top provincial officials, including Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, alongside the Corps Commander Quetta and other senior security officials. They were also joined by tribal elders and members of the business community and civil society.

Discussions focused on the development of the Makran Division and Gwadar.

“Balochistan’s development depended on public participation, tribal harmony and continuity in government initiatives,” Governor Mandokhail told the gathering.

He stressed that empowering women, youth and the local fishermen community was an “urgent need of the time”. CM Bugti said the government was accelerating development across the province and giving Gwadar special priority. He stated that Baloch youth had been pushed into a “futile conflict”, and promoting education was essential to steer them away from violence.

Quetta Corps Commander Lt Gen Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan affirmed that security forces were taking all possible measures to establish peace and protect major projects, including the CPEC.

He described mutual trust between the public and security institutions as the “foundation for sustainable peace”.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026