Asmat Hanafi:
PISHIN: April 6, 2026 — A major protest demanding the upgrade of Karezat to district status was temporarily called off after successful negotiations between a government delegation and protest representatives.
The sit-in at Khanozai ended following assurances from the provincial government, with protest leaders announcing a 10-day suspension to allow further progress on the issue.
The government delegation, led by Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, engaged directly with protesters at the demonstration site. The negotiating team also included Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, opposition MPA Asghar Tareen, Bilal Kakar, the Quetta Commissioner, and the Deputy Commissioner of Pishin.
Participants in the talks included members of various political and religious parties, as well as tribal elders, reflecting broad community involvement in the demand for Karezat’s administrative upgrade.
Addressing the gathering, Mir Ziaullah Langove emphasized that the government is committed to resolving the matter amicably. He urged protesters to cooperate with the official committee and assured them that their concerns are being taken seriously.
“The people of Karezat are our own, which is why the government delegation came here to listen and engage,” he said, adding that the recommendations prepared by the committee would be implemented in good faith.
The government and protest committees will now jointly review the proposal to grant district status to Karezat. Protest leaders also expressed appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage directly at the protest site.
The development signals a positive step toward resolving the issue through dialogue, as stakeholders await further progress in the coming days.
