A heated debate unfolded in the Balochistan Assembly on Monday as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) lawmaker Mir Zafar Zehri launched a scathing attack on the provincial government, claiming that insurgent groups held greater influence in the region than the state.
During his address, Zehri stated that the real authority in Balochistan did not rest with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti but rather with Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) chief Bashir Zeb Baloch and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) leader Dr. Allah Nazar. He alleged that insurgents patrolled roads at night and set up checkpoints, reinforcing their grip over the region.
According to Zehri, local populations placed more trust in insurgents than in state forces. He claimed that women were willingly giving away their jewelry to BLA fighters and argued that the government’s reliance on force would not suppress the insurency. “If genocide and brute force continue in Balochistan, mothers will birth more children will keep resisting,” he warned.
Drawing historical parallels, Zehri cautioned the government against extreme measures, saying, “If you use chemical weapons like [Iraq’s] Saddam Hussein they will hang you like Saddam.” He further remarked that intellectuals and the educated class were turning into suicide bombers, indicating deep-seated frustration among the people.
Responding to alleged accusations from the government that he supported banned outfits and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Zehri challenged the authorities to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to examine any claims of logistical support. He also highlighted the issue of enforced disappearances, noting that missing persons were only released after protests and road blockages.
Zehri emphasized that the government had lost control of the situation, urging authorities to consult with local representatives for solutions. Criticizing Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s direct handling of security matters, he advised him to appoint a dedicated interior minister instead of personally making bold statements.