Author: Ghulam Hussain Baloch

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Leaders of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Workers Group have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding press freedom and journalists’ rights, highlighting the growing challenges faced by the media community. Ghulam Hussain Baloch, a senior PFUJ Workers leader, said the group, led by Shahid Ali, has consistently prioritized the dignity of the press and the sanctity of the pen, raising its voice for truth without yielding to pressure. He noted that under Shahid Ali’s leadership, the union is actively addressing critical issues including salaries, security, service structure, and field-level protection for journalists. Baloch emphasized…

By Ghulam Hussain QUETTA: The Balochistan Grand Alliance and All-Parties Action Committee held a joint meeting at the National Party headquarters on Wednesday, officials said, with Dr. Ishaq Baloch, vice president of the National Party, presiding over the session. Senior leaders from major political parties, including the Awami National Party, Hazara Democratic Party, National Democratic Movement, PTI, and Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party, attended the talks, alongside provincial ministers and senior officials. The discussions focused on labor issues and the resolution of longstanding employee demands, with all parties emphasizing cooperation and dialogue. Officials said the meeting led to the successful release…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced Rs10 billion in financial assistance for security forces operating in Balochistan, reaffirming the province’s support for peace and stability. She made the announcement during a visit to Quetta, attending a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters. The visit followed coordinated attacks across 12 towns in Balochistan on January 31, which targeted civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni. In response, security forces launched Operation Raddul Fitna 1, eliminating 216 India-sponsored terrorists in a series of coordinated engagements and clearance operations, according…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Security forces in Balochistan reported early successes from Operation Radd-ul-Fitna, as several notorious criminals and terrorists formally surrendered to authorities, marking a rare but significant step towards restoring stability in the province. Among those who laid down their arms was Miraak Khan Chakarani, who, accompanied by 25 associates, handed over a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. The group had long been linked to a series of violent crimes, including robberies, extortion, and other forms of organized criminal activity, which had contributed to insecurity in parts of the province. Speaking at the handover, Chakarani announced…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, announced on Friday that authorities had taken action against illegal chromite mining in Pishin District, closing 47 unauthorized mines. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Bugti said the illegal mining activity had significantly undermined revenue from the province’s mines and minerals sector, which currently generates less than 10 billion rupees annually. He described the crackdown as a necessary step to protect public resources and restore oversight of the sector. The Chief Minister added that the provincial government was in the process of introducing a comprehensive…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, met with a United Nations delegation led by UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya in Quetta to discuss key issues affecting the province, including human development, public welfare, human rights, and the challenges posed by climate change. During the meeting, the UN delegation acknowledged the provincial government’s efforts, praising its progressive legislative and policy initiatives. They highlighted programs such as the Youth Skills Development Program and the establishment of the Women Endowment Fund as significant steps toward promoting social inclusion and empowering vulnerable groups in the province. Speaking at…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QALAT: A large-scale operation against drugs and smuggling in Balochistan’s Qalat district has led to the seizure of narcotics and foreign goods worth billions of rupees, officials said. The joint operation was carried out by the district administration, customs authorities and the Frontier Corps under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Munir Ahmed Durrani. Officials said three major warehouses were raided in the Khaliqabad area, where a significant quantity of drugs and smuggled foreign goods was recovered. According to a spokesperson for the district administration, the seized items included thousands of tones of goods, tens of thousands…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has urged militants in the province to surrender, emphasising that the state remains fully capable of asserting its authority and upholding law and order. Speaking at a public event, Bugti said that no objective could be achieved through violence, adding that the government’s doors were open for those willing to lay down their arms. “Our lives are tied to Pakistan. No purpose can be achieved through guns,” he stated, stressing that he would continue to stand against injustice and ensure that the families of martyrs are not left unsupported. Bugti…

By our correspondent QALAT: Extended gas shutdowns and unscheduled power outages in Qalat and surrounding cold areas severely disrupted daily life, leaving residents struggling to cope with harsh winter conditions. With gas unavailable during the severe cold, citizens were forced to burn wood or rely on expensive alternative fuels, while prolonged electricity outages badly affected households, businesses, schools, and healthcare services. Local leaders, including Jamiat-e-Islami Qalat’s district chief Maulana Samiullah, Maulana Faisal, Ghulam Mohsin Baloch, and Ejazullah, voiced concern over the repeated failure of authorities to address the problem despite multiple complaints and protests. They warned that the absence of…

By Ghulam Hussain Baloch QUETTA: Despite plunging winter temperatures, gas supply has been suspended in Quetta and surrounding areas, prompting sharp criticism from Jamaat-e-Islami’s district leadership. Maulana Samiullah Shahwani, Zubair Baloch, Ghulam Hussain Shahwani, Abdul Malik Agha, Yasir, and other party leaders expressed deep concern, distress, and strong protest over the disruption. In a joint statement, the leaders noted that temperatures in Quetta have fallen below zero, making the gas shutdown a severe hardship for residents. They highlighted that for most households, gas is the primary source of heating and cooking. The disruption has forced people to rely on expensive…