Woman appeals for CM's protection over alleged threats by former husband in Balochistan

QUETTA: A woman has appealed to the Balochistan government and law enforcement authorities for protection, alleging harassment and threats from her former husband.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Sunday, Hina Zulfiqar Ali Lashari said she had married Saeed Ahmed Jamali, a resident of Dera Murad Jamali, around 10 years ago.

She said she later sought legal separation from him, alleging that the decision was prompted by his involvement in illegal activities and what she described as immoral behaviour.

Ms Lashari alleged that after the separation, her former husband had been using his influence to trouble her and her family through court cases and propaganda intended to damage her reputation.

She also claimed that he was trying to take their nine-year-old daughter through force and intimidation. "I will not hand over my daughter to such a person. He is using his connections to pressure us, and despite approaching the police, no action has been taken so far," she said.

Expressing concern over her own safety as well as that of her family, Ms Lashari called on the Balochistan chief minister, the inspector general of police and other senior provincial officials to step in.

She urged the authorities to take immediate notice of what she described as threats and harassment, and said that if any harm came to her or her family, her former husband should be held responsible.

The woman further said that if she was not provided protection and justice, she might be compelled to take extreme steps, including self-harm as a form of protest.

Appeal to provincial authorities

At the press conference, Ms Lashari asked the provincial government and law enforcement agencies to ensure her protection and address her complaints. Her appeal was directed specifically at the chief minister, the police chief and other high-ranking officials in Balochistan.

Her allegations, made publicly at the Quetta Press Club, centred on claims of continued pressure following the end of her marriage, including legal and reputational harassment as well as fears regarding the custody of her daughter.

No additional official statement was included in the report regarding her allegations. The appeal was made publicly as she sought intervention from the authorities over what she described as an urgent threat to her and her family.