Former Baloch separatist leader Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, has called for dialogue with separatists to resolve the issues of Balochistan.

“We all should work for the prosperity of Balochistan as per our powers,” he said at an event organized at Quetta’s Jamali auditorium on Saturday. “I am part of the dialogue process and support it.”

Shambay was the founder of the banned Baloch National Army Gulzar Imam. He was arrested by security forces last month.

It was his first public appearance after May 22 press conference where he repented his past actions and said the fight for Balochistan’s rights was only possible in a constitutional and political manner. He had urged other insurgents to lay down arms at a press conference in Quetta alongside Balochistan Home Minister Zia Langove and Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai.

Senators Anwar Kakar, Sarfaraz Bugti, Home Minister Zia Langove, Zahoor Buledi, and Dr Mir Sadaat were among the participants who attended the event. People from civil society, politicians, ulema, lawyers, and journalists also attended the seminar.

They welcomed the participation of Gulzar Imam.

The purpose of the event was to shed light on the reconciliation policy in Balochistan and the improving situation in the province.

The participants in the event said that the solution to the problems of Balochistan was “possible only on the negotiation table”.

Senator Bugti also supported the need for dialogue to resolve issues while Kakar said that “no extremist can win” against the state. “If the state is giving priority to dialogue, then the extremists should also think for the betterment of Balochistan,” said Kakar.

Balochistan Home Minister Zia Langove said that he invited those who were willing to negotiate on behalf of the government.

The people of Balochistan were the patriots and the real owners of Balochistan, the participants said and added that they would not allow militants to hijack the vision of a “peaceful and prosperous Balochistan”

Peace was the real game changer in Balochistan, they said, adding that the ultimate goal of reconciliation was a prosperous Balochistan.

They added that the militants would have to lay down their arms and play their part for the prosperity of Balochistan and its people.