QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti met members of a protest committee and the families of those killed in a recent incident near B.A. Mall in Quetta, following which the demonstrators announced the end of their sit-in at his request.
The chief minister visited the protest site accompanied by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Senator Manzoor Kakar and Quetta Commissioner Shahzaib Kakar. Negotiations with the protest committee were led by the provincial health minister.
Addressing the participants, Bugti said he had remained in contact with the protest committee since the first day of the demonstration and pledged to continue standing with the people. He said his bond with the people and their elders would remain strong and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the public.
The chief minister said that if the government had made any mistakes, they would be acknowledged and rectified. He assured the families that, as chief minister and tribal chief of the Bugti tribe, he was committed to fulfilling all promises made to them.
Bugti announced a compensation package for the families of the victims, including financial assistance, government jobs for eligible heirs and educational support for the children of those who lost their lives.
He further said that key decisions had been taken in the presence of the prime minister and the field marshal, adding that the government would ensure their full implementation. He also vowed strict action against those seeking to defame the state and the province.
Describing the protesters as patriotic citizens, the chief minister said they had helped foil conspiracies against Pakistan and Balochistan and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the public to promote lasting peace and stability in the province.
It may be recalled that members of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army killed at least 42 people in separate attacks since Monday. The violence has raised concerns that separatist groups once considered relatively small are expanding their reach. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Quetta on Thursday to condole with the families of those killed in multiple insurgent attacks.
