Ex-Baloch separatist’s integration into mainstream lauded

Various speakers at BUITEMS focus discussions on facilitating dialogue among different groups in province

QUETTA:

A seminar was held at the Markhor Auditorium of Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) on Thursday, marking the one-year anniversary of former separatist leader Gulzar Imam alias Shambay's integration into the national mainstream.

Titled "Journey Towards Peace and Stability in Balochistan," the event featured a comprehensive discussion panel aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in the region.

The seminar sought to bridge former militants with political stakeholders and young leaders, fostering a multi-faceted understanding and creating a roadmap for a peaceful future in Balochistan.

Discussions focused on facilitating dialogue among various groups, exploring viable strategies for peace and reconciliation, and highlighting the role and involvement of youth in the peace process. The narratives of former militants, pathways to political reconciliation, and a collective roadmap for peace were also central themes.

Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail graced the event as the chief guest. Panellists included Balochistan's Home Minister Ziaullah Langove, MPA Zahoor Buledi, Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind, BUITEMS Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Hafeez, former MNA and Minister Zubaida Jalal, former militant Sarfaraz Bangulzai, and Gulzar Imam himself.

Distinguished guests comprised MPAs Meena Majeed, Prince Agha Umar, Raheela Hameed Durrani, Zarak Mandokhail, Rahmat Saleh, Zareen Magsi, and former MPAs Sana Baloch and Mahjabeen Sheeran.

Prominent journalists Shehzada Zulfiqar, Bushra Qamar, Asim Khan, Saleem Shahid, and Syed Ali Shah were present, along with Senator Kamran Murtaza, Deputy Attorney General Rauf Atta, and lawyers Tayyaba Kakar and Nargis Sumalani.

 

Representatives from various sectors, including social activists, civil society members, and others, were also in attendance. Notables included Zia Khan from Quetta Online, educationist Raheema Jalal, Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqat, and IDSP Quetta founder Quratulain Bakhtyari.