Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced on Saturday the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the deadly attack in Ziarat that resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals, including police officers. This development was confirmed during a meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at Zardari House in Islamabad.
During the meeting, CM Bugti briefed Bilawal on the administrative and political situation in Balochistan. The chief minister emphasized his active role in consoling the families affected by the Ziarat tragedy and addressing their concerns.
Notably, the provincial government reached an overnight agreement with the protest committee that had organized a province-wide shutter-down strike in response to the attacks in Ziarat and Hanna Urak. Following this accord, the protest committee called off its sit-in in Quetta, agreeing to work towards fulfilling the martyrs’ families’ demands and fostering peace and stability in the region.
The agreement includes holding a joint meeting chaired by the Balochistan chief minister, involving opposition parties and the families of the martyrs, to discuss the law and order situation. Additionally, plans were made to enhance the police force’s capacity, manpower, and professionalism in urban areas of the province.
It was also decided that the deceased would be officially recognized as martyrs under existing policies, with provisions for family support, children’s education, and compensation. To honor their sacrifices, various government buildings will be named after the martyrs. Furthermore, a committee led by the revenue minister will be established to address public concerns related to revenue, comprising government officials and local community members.
Meanwhile, CM Bugti announced that an all-parties conference would soon be convened in Balochistan, with invitations extended to political parties outside the parliament as well.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the army, Frontier Corps, and police personnel, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed deep sympathy for the families of those lost in the recent tragedies. He acknowledged CM Bugti’s constructive role in supporting the bereaved families and promoting dialogue.
Bilawal reaffirmed his party’s commitment to engaging with all political forces, whether in government or opposition, and reiterated the nation’s firm stance against terrorism, describing the country as standing like a “wall of steel” against militancy.
