Don’t protest in Gwadar, Mahrung advised

Women MPAs believe demonstrations in the city can derail development

QUETTA:

Women parliamentarians of the Balochistan Assembly have invited Dr Mahrang Baloch to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that issues are resolved through negotiations and understanding. They indicated that there is no objection to protests as long as the law is respected.

These views were expressed by Dr Rubaba Buledi, Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, Meena Majeed, Hadiya Nawaz, and Farah Azeem Shah. They emphasised that no one should take the law into their own hands and highlighted that the Pakistani army is a protector, and every citizen has the right to protest within the confines of the law.

Meena Majeed Baloch said that the sit-in and protest in Quetta claimed to be peaceful, but police vehicles were set ablaze. "There are important meetings and delegations regarding CPEC scheduled in Gwadar. Therefore, any place other than Gwadar is acceptable to us," she said, adding that events in Gwadar, such as Baloch Raji Muchi, could disturb the situation in the city.

Dr Rubaba Buledi said that a joint resolution for women's causes was passed by the Balochistan Assembly yesterday, under which all parties will work for the welfare of Balochistan's women. She further added that Dr Mahrang Baloch is like a sister to them, and they are willing to visit her at home for negotiations on behalf of the government if she desires. She emphasised that protesting is every citizen's right, but it should be within the bounds of the law; otherwise, they will face legal consequences.

Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola mentioned that the resolution passed in the Balochistan Assembly in the name of women's rights involves striving for the rights of women from all provinces. She expressed regret over the recent incident in the Balochistan Assembly and urged parliamentarians to respect each other's dignity and honor.

She also stated that if Dr Mahrang Baloch wishes, as a motherly figure, she hopes to meet her. She stated that while peaceful protest is every political worker's right, it should stay within legal limits. She explained the process where permission from the Deputy Commissioner is required to hold a meeting, specifying two to three suitable locations.

During the press conference, Farah Azeem Shah said that the government is moving in the right direction. She mentioned that whenever Balochistan progresses, obstacles are placed to hinder its development.

Dr Mahrang Baloch speaks for the rights of the people of Balochistan, and we also advocate for their rights. However, maintaining peace and security is the responsibility of the government."Pakistan is our country, and the military is our shield," she said.