A potential standoff over the 'Balochistan Haq Do March' was averted on Wednesday after successful negotiations between the Punjab government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), leading to a revised plan for the protest caravan.
Instead of heading to Islamabad, participants would proceed peacefully to the Lahore Press Club, while a delegation of JI leaders and march organisers will travel to the federal capital for formal negotiations.
The long march, which began in Quetta five days ago, seeks to spotlight longstanding grievances of the Baloch people — including enforced disappearances, political marginalisation, and limited inclusion in national development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It had reached Lahore on Monday, with the next stop originally planned for Islamabad.
However, the situation grew tense overnight as Punjab Police sealed off JI headquarters in Mansoorah, deploying heavy contingents and restricting the movement of protesters. Talks resumed in the morning and led to a consensus on a de-escalated path forward.
Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb led the government's negotiation team, which included Law Minister Sohaib Bharth and Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. Representing JI were Deputy Emir Liaqat Baloch, Secretary General Ameerul Azeem, and Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, who is leading the march.
The senior minister described the two days of negotiations as "constructive and sincere," praising Jamaat-e-Islami for its peaceful and responsible conduct. She confirmed that the protesters would now demonstrate at the Lahore Press Club, where they would highlight their demands in a lawful and dignified manner.
"Punjab government will extend full hospitality to our Baloch brothers," she said. "Their protection and dignity are our constitutional and moral responsibility."
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