Balochistan crisis: JI plans jirgas in major cities

LAHORE:

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Balochistan leadership will organise jirga programmes in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to formulate a comprehensive strategy for resolving the province's issues.

The development came as JI party's deputy emir Liaqat Baloch held telephonic conversations with National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and former NA speaker Asad Qaiser on Sunday. According to a statement, the leaders discussed the prevailing political and security situation in Pakistan and the wider region in detail.

During the discussions, Liaqat Baloch said the entire nation stood united for Pakistan's protection and security and emphasised that the country's political leadership must play a key role in resolving political crises through dialogue and collective leadership.

Baloch said the situation in Balochistan was concerning and stressed that the province's issues should be resolved through national consensus.

He also said the Taliban in Afghanistan should act in line with its people's aspirations and work to improve relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran. Commenting on regional tensions, Liaqat Baloch said the United States and Israel had faced a third defeat on the Iranian front.