Asif backs Nawaz’s role in resolving Balochistan issue

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ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML -N) President Nawaz Sharif can play his role in resolving the Balochistan issue after Eid -ul -Fit.

Speaking on the Geo News program ‘Capital Talk’, Asif said, “Nawaz has agreed to engage in the matter. However, he is currently following medical advice to rest and can play an active role after Eid.”

His statement is following a shutdown strike in various cities of Balochistan and recent arrests of the BEC leadership in Karachi and protests against the crackdown on his sit -in in Quetta.

BEC Chief Organizer Dr Mehrang Baloch and 16 other workers were arrested from their protest camp on Sarib Road in Quetta on Saturday, a day after they claimed that three protesters were killed due to police action.

Among the 150 people, including prominent BEC leaders, Mehrang faces allegations such as various serious crimes such as terrorism, inciting rebellion and murder.

In the first Information Report (FIR) registered at the Suraib Police Station on Saturday, there are 16 parts of the Pakistan Code of Conduct, along with violations of Section 7 and 11W of the Anti -Terrorism Act.

Speaking during today’s program, the Defense Minister said that a decision regarding Balochistan should be made in consultation with the traditional Baloch leadership. He emphasized that globally, conflicts are resolved through dialogue, and a similar approach should be adopted for Balochistan.

In response to a question about the treatment of the police in Karachi, he admitted that the arrest should be made according to the law, and all matters should be resolved through negotiations.

Asif pointed out that complaints in Balochistan are 50 years and it requires meaningful engagement.

The Defense Minister further said that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti should be chaired by the negotiation process, while former Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch can play an important role in facilitating the dialogue.

‘Afghanistan’

When questioned about Afghanistan, Asif expressed concern over the deteriorating situation since his visit to Kabul about two years ago. He emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan should take extraordinary steps to improve bilateral relations.

Asif said, “I visited Kabul a year and a half ago, and the conversation took place in a positive environment. However, since then, the situation has only increased, which is unfortunate.” He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to maintain a strong and friendly relations with Afghanistan.

Commenting on security concerns, Asif noted that recent terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had links with Afghanistan. He claimed that “many terrorists have been eliminated, and a significant number of them were Afghan citizens.”

He also pointed out that a large section of the banned Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is currently based in Afghanistan.

The Defense Minister emphasized that the two governments will have to take decisive and extraordinary steps to tackle these security challenges and prevent the relations of relations from worsening.

The arrest of journalists

In response to a question regarding the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) proceedings against journalists, Asif noted that there is a toxic environment in the country, and social media has played an important role in promoting it.

He emphasized that political criticism should be based on ideological differences rather than personal attacks.

Expressing concern over the harassment online, the minister condemned the process of targeting the opposition’s family. “It is inappropriate to drag mothers and sisters into political hostility on social media,” he said.

Regarding the prevention of the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the minister said that when the law exists, the government should keep in mind its implications and ensure that it is not misused for political purposes.