Balochistan forms judicial commission into Ziarat attack after protest ends

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Saturday that the provincial government has constituted a judicial commission to investigate the deadly attack in Ziarat that left 35 people dead, including police personnel.

The chief minister confirmed the development during a meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at Zardari House in Islamabad. According to a statement, Bugti briefed Bilawal on administrative and political developments in Balochistan during the meeting.

Bugti said he had played a full role in consoling the bereaved families affected by the Ziarat attack and in addressing their demands. His remarks came after the provincial government reached an overnight agreement with a protest committee that had organised a province-wide shutter-down strike over the attacks in Ziarat and Hanna Urak.

Under the agreement, the Quetta sit-in was called off after the government accepted measures aimed at meeting the demands of the martyrs’ families and promoting peace and stability in the province.

Terms of agreement

It was decided that a joint meeting of opposition parties and the families of the martyrs would be held on the law and order situation under the chairmanship of the Balochistan chief minister. The agreement also provides for further enhancement of the capacity, manpower and professionalism of the police force in urban areas of Balochistan.

The deceased will be declared martyrs under the prevailing policy, while their families will receive support, compensation and educational assistance for children in line with that policy. The government also decided that various official buildings would be named after the deceased in recognition of their sacrifices.

In addition, a committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the revenue minister to address public concerns related to revenue. The body will include government officials as well as local representatives from the area.

Political outreach

Bugti also said an all-parties conference would be convened in Balochistan soon, adding that political parties outside parliament would also be invited to take part.

During the meeting, Bilawal paid tribute to the sacrifices of army, Frontier Corps and police personnel and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Bilawal said:

I can feel the pain of the families of those martyred in the recent tragedies.

He added that Bugti had played a constructive role in supporting the affected families and moving the dialogue process forward. Bilawal also said his party believed in engagement with all political forces, whether in government or opposition, and reaffirmed the country’s resolve against terrorism, saying the nation stood like a wall of steel against militancy.