The route for the ongoing ‘Haq Do Balochistan March’ has been modified following successful discussions between Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the Punjab government, aiming to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful and constructive.
Originally set to proceed toward Islamabad from Mansoorah, the marchers will now conclude their route at the Lahore Press Club. Meanwhile, a dedicated delegation from JI will head to the federal capital to formally present the protest’s demands.
High-level talks were held between senior provincial officials and JI leaders. The Punjab government was represented by Minister for Information Maryam Aurangzeb, Law Minister Sohaib Bharth, and Khawaja Salman Rafique. On behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, Liaqat Baloch, Ameer ul Azeem, and Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch took part in the discussions.
Minister Aurangzeb lauded the peaceful conduct of the protest and thanked JI for choosing dialogue over confrontation. “We’ve reached an understanding that upholds the democratic and constitutional rights of all participants,” she said, adding that the Punjab government would offer full support and hospitality to the demonstrators.
JI’s deputy chief Liaqat Baloch announced that a team of eight leaders, led by Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch, would travel to Islamabad to engage in formal negotiations. He revealed that a federal negotiation committee had been formed at the request of the Punjab Chief Minister and that a joint statement would be released following the talks.
Calling the march a “peaceful symbol of democratic resistance,” Baloch acknowledged the challenges faced along the route but emphasized that participants remained disciplined and committed to nonviolence. He pointed out that, despite a strong police presence around Mansoorah, the leadership opted for dialogue rather than confrontation.
Baloch expressed optimism that the upcoming talks in Islamabad would result in concrete steps to address long-standing concerns in Balochistan, reaffirming the march’s mission to advocate for the rights of the province’s people.