Pak caretaker PM sets up panel for talks with Baloch protestors
Dec 24, 2023
Islamabad [Pakistan], December 24 : Following protests and a long march over days, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar formed a committee to hold talks with Baloch protestors in Islamabad, ARY News reported.
The committee comprises the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi and the caretaker Federal Minister for Privatization, Fawad Hassan Fawad.
Governor Balochistan Malki Wali Kakar has also been roped in for talks with the Baloch protesters.
The meeting was held in a congenial atmosphere and fostered open dialogue between both parties, which aimed for a harmonious resolution to the concerns raised by the Balochistan protesters, the report noted.
Later, during the meeting, the committee members reached an understanding to continue the ongoing negotiations on Sunday, demonstrating a shared commitment from both sides to work towards a mutually beneficial outcome, reported ARY News.
Earlier this week, Islamabad Police detained several Baloch protesters after using water cannons and baton charges to break up a protest against enforced disappearances.
Following the police crackdown, human rights organisations and analysts condemned the 'crackdown' on the Baloch protesters.
Soon after the arrests, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq warned Islamabad IG Akbar Nasir Khan against any hindrance to the protest stating that the Balochis have the constitutional right to demonstration.
Meanwhile, the caretaker PM formed a three-member committee comprising Solangi, Fawad and Jamal Shah to hold talks with the families of the protesters, according to ARY News.
An immediate order for the release of the detained individuals was issued after the talks.
Moreover, the ministers, who were part of the committee, also held a press conference in Islamabad, saying that the force was used to avoid a 'catastrophe'.
