Jirga opposes proposed changes to Kalat, Nasirabad divisions

QUETTA: Tribal chiefs, nawabs and political leaders from the Sarawan region on Monday opposed a proposed administrative reorganisation under which Mastung would be shifted to Quetta division and Kachhi to Sibi division.

The grand jirga was held at the residence of Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai and was attended by tribal elders from Sarawan along with political figures from different parties. After deliberations, participants issued a joint declaration rejecting the plan to abolish Kalat division and merge Mastung into Quetta division.

The jirga also rejected the proposal to remove Kachhi, also referred to as Bolan, from Nasirabad division and attach it to Sibi division. In their declaration, the participants said Mastung should remain part of the historic Kalat division together with Kalat and Surab, while Bhag and Kachhi should continue to stay within Nasirabad division.

The declaration urged the government to reconsider the proposed changes and restore what the participants described as the historical and geographical status of the affected areas. The jirga warned that if its demands were not accepted, a larger council of tribal and political leaders would decide the next course of action.

To take the matter forward, the gathering formed an empowered council comprising tribal chiefs, political representatives, legal experts and members of civil society.