Agreement reached over Ziarat incident, Sit-ins end after successful talks

QUETTA: Reconciliation efforts led by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti have yielded results as negotiations between the provincial government, the families of the Ziarat martyrs and the dharna committee concluded successfully, leading to the end of sit-ins in Quetta and Ziarat.

Dharna committee member Nasrullah Zayrai said the parties had reached a consensus on the draft agreement, which was subsequently signed by representatives of the government, the families of the martyrs and the dharna committee.

Under the agreement, a judicial commission will be established to investigate the Ziarat incident. It was also agreed that a joint meeting on the law and order situation would be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, with participation from opposition members and the families of the martyrs.

The agreement further states that the victims of the Ziarat incident will be officially recognized as martyrs under government policy. Compensation, financial support and educational assistance will be provided to their families and children.

According to the agreement, government buildings will also be named after the martyrs in recognition of their sacrifices. In addition, a committee headed by the provincial revenue minister will be formed to address public concerns related to revenue matters.

Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said it is the government’s responsibility to look after the families of those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and ensure their welfare.

Following the signing of the written agreement, the sit-ins staged by the relatives of police personnel martyred in the terrorist attack in Ziarat were called off in both Quetta and Ziarat.

The funeral prayers of the martyrs are scheduled to be offered at Ayub Stadium, Quetta, at 4:00 pm today.