Former separatist Gulzar Imam calls for dialogue at Balochistan peace seminar

QUETTA: At a special seminar held at Balochistan University of Information Technology, former separatist Gulzar Imam Shambe called for addressing challenges facing Pakistan, and in particular Balochistan, through understanding and dialogue.

The seminar, titled ‘Journey towards Peace and Stability in Balochistan,’ marked one year since Gulzar Imam Shambe joined the national mainstream.

The event aimed to promote peace and reconciliation in Balochistan by bringing together former separatists, political stakeholders, and youth leaders.

The Governor of Balochistan, Sheikh Jafar Mandukhel, attended as a special guest. Other panelists included Home Minister Balochistan Ziaullah Longu, Zahoor Bilidi, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, Vice Chancellor of Balochistan University of Information Technology Dr. Khalid Hafeez, former minister Zubaydah Jalal, and former separatist Sarfraz Banglazai.

Gulzar Imam Shambe, in his address, shared his journey from being a contractor to joining a banned organisation due to frustration with corruption and injustice. He stated that it is important to properly comprehend issues facing the country with nuanced understanding before resolving them.

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Shambe went on to state that he opposed the banned militant organisations operating from Afghanistan. He said such organisations exploited the poor in Balochistan for selling drugs and extortion and did not actually address the issues facing the province.