Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Thursday announced the formation of a Grand Jirga comprising influential political and tribal leaders to meet the Khan of Kalat and Baloch Republican Army chief Brahamdagh Bugti.
“We will form a Grand Jirga to find an amicable solution for issues relating to Balochistan,” Dr Baloch told a private news channel. The Jirga would comprise Baloch, Pashtun, Hazara tribal chieftains and other leaders, he added.
“The Jirga plans to meet the exiled Baloch leaders very soon,” said the Balochistan CM, but did not state any timeframe for the planned meeting.
“Barahmdagh’s statement is a good omen for peace and prosperity in Balochistan,” he said, adding that support from the armed forces had resulted in a major breakthrough in the negotiations process.
“The civil and military leadership in Balochistan is on the same page.”
According to the chief minister, efforts are currently underway to bring Baloch leaders to the negotiating table, as it is the priority of the government to solve all issues through political means.
Responding to a question about militants surrendering in significant numbers, he said that cases against all those who have surrendered their weapons and have rejoined the society would be dropped. The government has already announced a reconciliation policy to pave the way for peace and development in Balochistan, he added.
