QUETTA: Leaders of opposition parties and tribal elders at a meeting discussed the provincial government’s decision regarding the formation of new districts and divisions in Balochistan, expressing serious concern and rejecting the government’s plan.

The meeting was held on Saturday at Sarawan House and presided over by Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani.

It was attended by central and provincial leaders of major political parties, including Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai, Central Secr­etary of the Pashtu­nkhwa Milli Awami Party; Abdul Rahim Ziar­atwal, Central Secretary General; Qahar Khan Wadan, Provincial Presi­dent; Aslam Baloch, Provincial President of the National Party; Cha­ngiz Hai Baloch, Prov­incial General Secretary, and Malik Faisal Dahwar, General Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Balochistan.

The opposition leaders and tribal elders strongly rejected the government’s plan, stating that it disregards local leadership and political stakeholders while attempting to alter the historical and geographical significance of districts through unnecessary mergers and illogical decisions.

They warned that such moves could create unrest and confusion in the province, which they said was unacceptable to genuine political leadership and parties.

The meeting decided to form a united front to oppose what they termed the government’s unnecessary and illogical decision and to raise their voices at every forum, including collectively approaching the courts. It was also agreed to coordinate with all opposition parties to formulate a joint strategy.

The participants condemned the government’s actions, saying they aimed to create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun-allied communities, and emphasised that the issues of both communities would continue to be addressed.

They pledged to work toward resolving disputes and ensuring that the concerns of the allied communities are taken into consideration in future discussions.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2026