Former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has called for political leadership to take control of the worsening Balochistan crisis, urging President Asif Ali Zardari to convene an all-party conference to address the issue. Speaking to the media outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday, Chaudhry criticized the military establishment for its failure to resolve the long-standing unrest in the province, asserting that the time has come to hand over responsibility to political forces.
Chaudhry described the situation in Balochistan as “one of Pakistan’s greatest tragedies,” pointing to the 120 individuals still missing as a stark indicator of the crisis. “Balochistan is not under any political party’s control—it has been in the hands of the establishment for a long time. Since they have been unable to solve its problems, it is time to return it to political leadership,” he said. Fawad Chaudhry Urges Political Forces to Take Charge
The former minister emphasized the need for unity among Pakistan’s political heavyweights, naming Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, President Zardari, and PTI founder Imran Khan as key figures who must collaborate to find a solution. He stressed that an all-party conference would be “meaningless” without the participation of the country’s leading opposition figure, Imran Khan. “The entire nation must unite. If we fail to act now, the situation could spiral out of control,” Chaudhry warned.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions in Balochistan, where issues of insurgency, enforced disappearances, and underdevelopment have plagued the province for decades. Chaudhry’s call for political intervention signals a shift from the establishment-led approach that has dominated the region’s governance.
Court Appearance Over May 9 Riots
On the same day, Chaudhry appeared before a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court regarding four cases filed against him in Faisalabad, linked to the May 9 riots. His legal team argued that the prosecution had failed to provide copies of the charges or supplementary evidence, alleging a violation of due process. The court issued notices to all parties involved and directed the trial court to submit records by March 20, adjourning the hearing until then.
Chaudhry, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has faced multiple legal challenges since the unrest following the May 9 incidents, which saw widespread protests and clashes across the country. His latest statements on Balochistan underscore his continued engagement in national politics despite ongoing legal battles.
A Call for Unity
Chaudhry’s proposal for an all-party conference reflects growing concerns over the deteriorating situation in Balochistan and the need for a collective political strategy. Whether President Zardari will heed the call remains uncertain, but the former minister’s insistence on inclusive dialogue has reignited debate over how best to address one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges.
As the nation watches, the coming days may determine whether political forces can bridge their divides to tackle the Balochistan crisis—or if the status quo will persist.
