Balochistan rights march rerouted
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
NICOPs of Imran's sons missing, says Aleema
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan on Saturday said National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) of Imran's sons were missing, hence, they had applied for NICOPs as well along visas for Pakistan. Speaking to media outside the Adiyala jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema said, 'One of the (Imran's) child has lost the NICOP, while the other has misplaced it.' She said this in response to a query that why Sulaiman and Kasim need visas when they hold NICOPs. She said NICOPs of Imran's sons were still valid for next 6-7 years. How they can snatch their right to travel to Pakistan, we have tracking numbers of their applications, she said, repudiating the claim allegedly made by some authorities that the brothers did not apply for visas at the London high commission. Aleema said they are utilising both the options to reach Pakistan to meet their father in the jail. 'If they (the authorities) wanted to grant them permission they could do so in no time,' she added. A day ago, she had said Sulaiman and Kasim have applied for Pakistani visas. In a post on X, Aleema had said, 'A few days ago Suleiman and Kasim applied for their visas with the Pakistan high commission in London. The ambassador has intimated that he is awaiting approval from the ministry of interior in Islamabad.' In a statement last week, Aleema had said that Kasim and Sulaiman held NICOPs and were expected to visit Pakistan soon to meet their imprisoned father. Imran Khan's sons appear on Piers Morgan show Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, she had confirmed that both the sons of the ex-prime minister possessed valid travel documents and 'will come to see their father anytime soon.' However, she had withheld specific dates, hinting at the fluidity and uncertainty surrounding their planned visits amid a politically charged environment. Government ministers have suggested the possibility that visa refusals might prevent the young men from entering the country. But Aleema had dismissed such claims as a transparent ploy – a calculated attempt by authorities fearful that the presence of Imran's sons could galvanise public support and intensify demands for his release. 'This is nothing but political harassment and an infringement upon the rights of a Pakistani citizen,' she had lamented. 'They want to isolate my brother, weaken his morale, and prevent the masses from seeing his condition. But we will not be intimidated.' She had revealed that her sisters, Noreen Khan and Uzma Khan, were denied permission again to meet Imran. Previously, the Adiyala jail had allowed six visitors at a time; this was subsequently reduced to just two.
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Iran's Pezeshkian lands in Pakistan on first official visit
Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on a two-day visit to Pakistan on August 2, 2025 where he was received by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN Listen to article Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. He was warmly received at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Express News reported. Dr Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials. According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay. Speaking to the media before his visit, President Pezeshkian said the primary objective of his trip was to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He stated that matters concerning border security and regional peace would also be discussed, adding that cross-border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for collaboration. He expressed hope to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion and reiterated Iran's interest in actively participating in the China–Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative, which he said could serve as a bridge connecting Iran with Europe. He also affirmed that attempts to undermine Pakistan–Iran Islamic unity would be unsuccessful. In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a two-day visit to Iran as part of his regional tour to friendly nations, aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. During the visit, he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian. The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and regional connectivity. Both sides also addressed broader regional issues and acknowledged Iran's efforts to promote peace during the war imposed on Pakistan by India.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Islamabad, Beijing pledge support for next stage of CPEC
Listen to article Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Saturday to discuss the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to an official release. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on industrial development and business-to-business cooperation under CPEC Phase II. Iqbal conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's goodwill message to Beijing and praised China's support during recent regional tensions. Read: Pakistan, China gear up for JCC talks 'The people of Pakistan take pride in the everlasting friendship with the leadership and people of China,' he said, noting that China's development model serves as an inspiration for Pakistan's move toward an export-oriented, technology-driven economy. He highlighted that Pakistan's URAAN initiative, built around a Five Es framework, aligns fully with CPEC Phase II objectives to secure economic, social and institutional stability through people-centric reforms. Iqbal stressed that developing a skilled, educated workforce and deepening B2B collaboration will be key pillars of the next CPEC phase. Weidong reiterated China's strong commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors and praised Iqbal's leadership role in turning CPEC from a blueprint into a multibillion-dollar reality.
