Balochistan to form judicial commission on Ziarat tragedy as committee ends sit-in

• Agreement reached following days of tense negotiations led by CM Sarfraz Bugti

• Judicial commission to investigate incident and recommend legal action

• Families of victims to receive martyr status, compensation and educational support

• Govt, opposition and victims’ families to jointly discuss province’s security challenges

 QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Friday agreed to establish an independent judicial commission to investigate the Ziarat tragedy after reaching a written agreement with the Ziarat sit-in committee, ending days of tense negotiations through reconciliation efforts spearheaded by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The breakthrough marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the victims' families, with the agreement reflecting a commitment to pursuing justice, rebuilding public confidence and reinforcing lasting peace and stability across the province. Both sides also pledged to work together to promote harmony and strengthen law and order.

At the centre of the agreement is the formation of an independent judicial commission that will investigate the circumstances surrounding the Ziarat tragedy. The commission will be tasked with establishing the facts, determining what transpired and providing recommendations to facilitate legal action.

The agreement also provides for a high-level meeting to be chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, bringing together opposition leaders and the families of the martyrs to discuss Balochistan's prevailing security situation and develop a broad-based consensus on measures aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the province.

Under the accord, the victims will be formally recognised as martyrs in accordance with the government's policy. Their families will receive financial compensation, assistance packages and educational support for their children. As a tribute to their sacrifice, selected public buildings will also be named in their honour.

The agreement further envisages strengthening the operational capacity of the Balochistan Police in urban centres by increasing manpower, enhancing professional training and improving institutional capabilities to respond more effectively to evolving security challenges.

To address public concerns relating to revenue matters, the government also decided to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of the provincial revenue minister. The committee will comprise government officials and local elders, who will review public grievances and recommend appropriate solutions.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the sacrifices of the Ziarat martyrs would never be forgotten and reaffirmed the government's responsibility to stand by their families at every stage.

He also paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Police and other law enforcement agencies for their continued sacrifices and unwavering role in maintaining peace, security and stability across the province.