QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said that protest is not a solution to problems and that negotiations remain the most effective and democratic means to resolve public grievances.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Balochistan Newspaper Industry Action Committee, the Governor assured full support in conveying their concerns and demands to the provincial government. Following his assurance, the Committee announced the end of their 86-day-long protest.
The delegation, led by Chairman Abdul Ghaffar Lango and Murtaza Tareen, met the Governor at the Quetta Governor House on Saturday. Senior journalists Haji Khaleel and Raza-ur-Rehman were also present during the meeting.
Governor Mandokhail emphasized that street protests often inconvenience the public and pose security risks. “The best way to find lasting solutions lies in dialogue, which is the true spirit of politics and democracy,” he said. He added that his team would soon be dispatched to relay the committee’s concerns to the relevant authorities.
Commenting on the challenges faced by the print media, Governor Mandokhail said that in the age of artificial intelligence and robotic technologies, traditional practices are rapidly being replaced by digital systems. “This technological shift demands careful planning and adaptation. The bond between pen and paper is gradually diminishing, and those in the print industry must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world,” he advised.
He urged newspaper editors and media professionals to embrace new technologies and reconsider their professional approaches to remain relevant in the digital era.
Responding to a question regarding advertisement policies, the Governor said that a new, transparent mechanism is needed to ensure fair distribution and prevent discrimination. The delegation informed him about the provincial government’s decision to transfer advertisement responsibilities entirely to the Balochistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (BPPRA), raising their concerns over the move.
Governor Mandokhail attentively listened to their reservations and assured them of his full cooperation in resolving their issues.
