QUETTA: A protest at Ziarat Cross was called off after successful negotiations with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, following which the highway was reopened for traffic.
The chief minister visited the protest site and held direct talks with the demonstrators, listening to their demands and concerns. He announced immediate steps to address their issues and formed a committee to review the protesters’ demands and prepare workable recommendations.
A representative delegation of the protesters has also been invited to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat for detailed discussions and to formally present their demands.
Mir Sarfaraz Bugti assured the protesters that their legitimate concerns would be addressed in accordance with law, merit and justice.
Addressing the protesters, the chief minister said Balochistan was facing challenges from “two fronts,” with enemies targeting innocent citizens and attempting to disrupt livelihoods. He urged people to demonstrate unity and cooperation to counter such challenges.
Bugti said the provincial government remained available to resolve public issues and emphasized that differences and grievances could only be addressed through dialogue, mutual trust and constitutional and legal channels.
Following the assurances and progress in talks, protesters announced the end of the sit-in at Ziarat Cross and reopened the road for all types of traffic. Normal movement has since resumed in the area.
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