TODAY’S PAPER | July 18, 2026 | EPAPER

Breakthrough deal ends Ziarat sit-in

Bugti pledges justice, compensation for terror victims


Syed Ali Shah July 18, 2026 1 min read
Representative of the government and the protesters sign an agreement in Quetta. Photo: Express

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government has decided to set up a judicial commission to investigate the Ziarat tragedy, following a written agreement with the Ziarat sit?in committee.

The breakthrough came after days of tense negotiations, eventually resolved through reconciliation efforts led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

For the families of the Ziarat martyrs, the accord represents a meaningful step toward justice. It also signals the government's commitment to restoring public trust and strengthening peace across the province. Both sides pledged to work together for stability and long?term harmony.

At the heart of the agreement is the independent judicial commission, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the incident. Its findings are expected to clarify what happened and guide legal action.

The deal also calls for a high?level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bugti, bringing opposition leaders and families of the martyrs to the table. The session will review the province's security challenges and seek consensus on measures to reinforce peace.

Authorities confirmed that the victims will be formally recognised as martyrs under government policy. Their families will receive financial compensation, assistance packages, and educational support for children. In tribute, selected public buildings will be named after the martyrs.

Other measures include strengthening the Balochistan Police in urban centers by expanding manpower, improving training, and enhancing operational capacity to meet security threats more effectively.

To address public grievances over revenue matters, a committee led by the provincial revenue minister will be formed. It will include government officials and local elders, tasked with reviewing complaints and recommending solutions.

Speaking after the signing, Chief Minister Bugti vowed that the sacrifices of the Ziarat martyrs would never be forgotten. He emphasised the government's responsibility to support their families and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Police, and other law-enforcement agencies for their continued role in safeguarding peace.

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