Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has announced a three-day jirga in Quetta to tackle Balochistan's deteriorating security, as attacks on highways, transporters, and civilians continue to disrupt daily life. The gathering aims to produce actionable recommendations from political leaders, tribal elders, and stakeholders. Main Developments Achakzai, speaking at the Quetta Press Club on Tuesday alongside party leaders, confirmed the jirga will run from August 29 to 31. He also announced nationwide protest rallies on August 5 to mark three years of Imran Khan's imprisonment. The jirga will deliberate on rising insecurity, including attacks on highways, disruption of trade, burning of goods vehicles, and killings of judges, lawyers, political workers, and civilians. After discussions, it will prepare recommendations to address these issues. Read also: Pakistan, WFP Partner to Craft National Food Security Policy Achakzai expressed concern over the law and order situation, alleging frequent attacks have severely affected businesses and transport, leaving many without livelihoods. He questioned the government's failure to restore peace and protect citizens' lives, property, and commercial activities. Background Achakzai chairs the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan. He has long advocated for constitutional and democratic means to resolve political and security challenges, opposing the use of force alone. The PkMAP chief also opposes the proposed division of districts in Balochistan's Pashtun-majority areas, calling it a move that could create further complications. Separate jirgas will be convened to discuss administrative changes, with decisions made in consultation with local communities. Achakzai claimed that buses, trucks, oil tankers, and other commercial vehicles belonging to Pashtuns have been targeted. He warned that transporters could suspend operations if such incidents continue and urged the government to ensure safety of transport and trade routes. Why It Matters The security crisis in Balochistan threatens economic activity, with attacks disrupting trade and transport routes vital for the province's economy. Achakzai's call for a jirga highlights growing frustration with the government's handling of the situation, including allegations of extortion on national highways and lack of accountability for senior officials after incidents in Hanna Urak and Ziarat. He also criticized high airfares on Quetta-Islamabad flights, describing them as unaffordable, and noted that owners of 14 coal-laden trucks set on fire were each offered Rs950,000 in compensation, though transporters demand full coverage. The jirga's outcome could influence public trust in democratic processes and state institutions. What's Next The jirga in Quetta from August 29 to 31 will produce recommendations for addressing the security crisis. Meanwhile, nationwide protests are scheduled for August 5 over Imran Khan's imprisonment. Achakzai reiterated that lasting peace requires strengthening democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, and a free media, opposing the formation of tribal militias as the state's responsibility.