Balochistan [Pakistan], August 30 : Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Balochistan held a protest sit-in near the Governor's House amid tight security, highlighting what it described as the worsening law-and-order situation, terrorism, rising petroleum prices and the continued closure of border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan, as reported by Dawn.
According to Dawn, JI workers and supporters gathered at the protest site carrying party flags, placards and banners outlining their demands. Provincial leaders, including JI Balochistan Emir and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, joined the demonstration. The protesters raised slogans against the government and called for immediate action to address what they characterised as mounting public grievances.
Speaking at the sit-in, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman said the situation in Balochistan had reached a critical point, accusing political and tribal elites of remaining largely silent while the province continued to face violence, insecurity and economic hardship. The JI leader alleged that influential political and tribal figures were operating under the patronage of the establishment and had failed to adequately respond to the province's worsening conditions. He claimed that JI, under the leadership of Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, remained among the few political forces openly challenging what it called injustice, corruption, violence and exploitation.
Hidayatur Rehman linked the worsening security environment with broader socioeconomic inequalities, arguing that lawlessness, corruption and injustice were widening the divide between affluent and poorer sections of society. He also criticised the recent rise in petrol prices, warning that increasing costs were placing further pressure on ordinary households already struggling with economic difficulties, as highlighted by Dawn.
He alleged that people in Balochistan were facing restrictions on freedom of movement, employment, trade and expression, while those who publicly criticised authorities could face legal action. The JI leader also criticised Parliament, political parties, the media, judiciary and bureaucracy, alleging that these institutions were unable to perform their independent roles effectively, as reported by Dawn.