Bugti, Fazl agree to resolve seminary raids issue through dialogue

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman have agreed to address matters linked to raids on religious seminaries in the province, as well as their registration, through consultation and dialogue.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between the two leaders held on Monday at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad after the chief minister returned from abroad.

The JUI-F’s provincial leadership had reacted strongly to the seminary raids issue and had announced a protest campaign across Balochistan. The programme included a shutter-down strike scheduled for April 6 throughout the province.

During the meeting, the two sides also reviewed the broader political situation in Balochistan, along with law and order and other recent developments in the province. They exchanged views on efforts to preserve peace and stability, encourage political harmony, and deal with a range of public and administrative issues.

A statement said, Issues related to madressas that emerged in recent days were also discussed, and both sides agreed that all matters would be resolved through mutual understanding and meaningful dialogue.

Focus on peace and political harmony

Chief Minister Bugti said the provincial government would continue engaging with political and religious parties in an effort to promote lasting peace, tolerance, and a culture of dialogue in Balochistan.

He also said that political harmony and cooperation were necessary in the larger public interest of the province.

The meeting came against the backdrop of tensions over action involving seminaries in Balochistan, an issue that had prompted a strong response from the JUI-F leadership in the province. The latest contact between the chief minister and the JUI-F chief resulted in an agreement to pursue a negotiated path on the matter.

The discussion covered not only the seminary issue but also the wider political and administrative environment in the province, with both leaders exchanging views on maintaining order and addressing public concerns through engagement.

Chief Minister Bugti reiterated that the Balochistan government would keep its channels open with all political and religious stakeholders to support sustainable peace and tolerance in the province.