The five-day protest sit-in on Airport Road in Quetta, staged against the Hanna Urak tragedy, has been peacefully called off following successful negotiations between Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the protest committee. Participants immediately removed their protest tents and camps after the agreement, and the Airport Road, which had remained blocked for five days, has been fully reopened for all kinds of traffic.
Negotiations and Attendees
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti held detailed talks with the protest committee, heirs of the martyrs, and tribal elders. The meeting was also attended by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Quetta Division Commissioner Shahzeb Kakar, Special Assistant to CM on Information Shahid Rind, and other senior officials. Special Assistant Shahid Rind said the negotiations with the protest committee were successful. The heirs expressed confidence in the Chief Minister's assurances and announced the end of the protest.
Chief Minister's Assurances
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said he had been in constant contact with the protest committee since the first day and had made every possible effort for a peaceful, dignified, and lasting resolution of the issue. "I have a long-standing relationship of respect and trust with the affected families and their elders, which will continue in the future as well," he said. He assured that if any lapse or mistake occurred at any level from the government's side, it would be acknowledged and corrected. The affected families would be provided every possible relief and support.
Decisions from Apex Committee Meeting
The Chief Minister revealed that important decisions were taken in the Balochistan Apex Committee meeting in the presence of the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and full implementation of those decisions would be ensured. He announced that the heirs of the martyrs of the Hanna Urak incident would receive financial compensation, government jobs would be provided to family members, and the Balochistan government would bear all educational expenses of the martyrs' children. The Chief Minister reiterated the government's resolve to take every possible step for the protection of lives and property of the people and to establish lasting peace in the province.
Background of the Tragedy
It may be recalled that on July 5, unidentified armed men attacked the Hanna Urak area of Kili Babri on the outskirts of Quetta, killing five civilians, injuring eight others, and abducting 11 people. In protest, the heirs and locals had blocked the Airport Road for five days, severely affecting city traffic.
Recovery of Abductees
Meanwhile, Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed that all 11 abductees have been safely recovered. Ten were freed on Thursday night while one was released a day earlier. All have been shifted to Quetta safely. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar also confirmed the recovery, saying it was made possible through the joint efforts of the Balochistan government, law enforcement agencies, and tribal elders.
