Bilawal urges all sides to engage in talks for Balochistan peace

QUETTA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said dialogue is the only sustainable solution to Balochistan’s political issues, reaffirming that the party believes in meaningful political engagement with all parties, whether in government or in the opposition.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari said lasting peace in Balochistan could only be achieved through political dialogue. “The PPP has always believed in constructive eng­agement with all political forces, regardless of whether they are in government or the opposition,” he said.

The PPP chairman also reaffirmed the party’s unwavering stance against terrorism, stating that his party had maintained a clear and consistent position against terrorism and would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the state institutions and the people in the fight against militancy.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at Zardari House in Islamabad on Saturday.

CM Sarfraz Bugti says multiparty conference to be convened soon

According to the provincial government officials, CM Bugti earlier briefed the PPP chairman on the comprehensive steps the government has taken to support the families affected by the Ziarat tragedy, address their concerns and fulfil their legitimate demands. At the request of the families, the officials said, a judicial fact-finding commission had been established to investigate the incident.

The chief minister also informed Mr Bhutto-Zardari that the provincial government would soon convene a multiparty conference, aimed at promoting political harmony and achieving lasting peace in Balochistan. He said not just parliamentary political parties but also those outside the parliament would be invited to formulate a unified strategy for peace and stability in the province.

Paying tribute to the personnel of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police who were recently martyred in terrorist attacks, the PPP chairman expressed solidarity with their families. “I deeply feel the grief and pain of the families who lost their loved ones in these tragic incidents and stand with them in their time of sorrow,” he said.

He praised CM Bugti for his efforts to address the grievances of the families and successfully facilitate negotiations that led to a peaceful resolution of the protest. He also appreciated the role played by opposition parties in making the dialogue process successful.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2026 ...