Militancy pushed Balochistan 50 years back: Zehri

CM says will try to follow in the footsteps of Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has said he would soon announce a development package for Sariab localities, a huge underdeveloped human settlement with more than a million population on the outskirts of the provincial capital.

Addressing a public meeting organised in connection with the 28^th death anniversary of the late Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, a legendary political figure of the region, the chief minister said: “The development package for Sariab localities will range from Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion.”

He said the provision of gas, electricity, wide roads, modern drainage, education and health services would be extended to the population.

Zehri deplored that the current picture depicted a devastated land of Sariab where basic amenities and municipal services were denied to the local residents by design.



The chief minister told his audience that he was a follower of the late Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, saying he would try to follow in his footsteps in politics and prayed for his departed soul.

He severely criticised those waging a war against Pakistan and under the cover of Baloch liberation, saying they were enjoying their lives in Europe and in other Western countries. “I will reject foisting of ideas on the people at a gunpoint,” Zehri told the NP crowd.

“We are the owners of the resources and the coast of the province and the indigenous people are the real masters of these resources,” the chief minister said.

He praised Bizenjo’s politics of reconciliation and political adjustment, saying he opposed adventurism and taking guns and going to the hills for waging a war against the state of Pakistan.

“Had the militants conceded to the suggestions of the late Bizenjo and held talks with the Government, there would have been lasting and durable peace in Balochistan,” the chief minister said.

“Bizenjo never favoured militancy and always preferred talks to bring peace and ensure development,” Nawab Sanaullah Zehri said.



He was of the view that by rejecting the principles of the late Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, the militants were playing in the hands of foreigners and using Baloch youth as powder keg in violence against the state.

The chief minister said that the militancy had pushed Balochistan 50 years back making a score of families suffer in the conflict.

Without naming Ghazain Marri, Zehri said he had returned to Quetta through a private airline flight after 20 years with a claim to serve the people or improve the situation.

“First, he will have to explain the crime he or they (militants) committed against the people of Balochistan. Only then will he take any position in politics.”

“First, he will be held accountable,” Zehri declared.



The meeting was largely attended by the local people. The majority of party workers were carrying party flags and banners. They reached the venue of the meeting in the form of small processions. People from surrounding localities also came and attended the public meeting.

The meeting was also addressed by NP President Hasil Khan Bizenjo, former chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai and other senior leaders of the party.

National Party President Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo in his address paid rich tributes to the late Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo and urged upon Baloch youth to become part of the policies for safeguarding the rights of Balochistan as “the political dialogue was the only way to resolving all problems being faced by the province”.

“Mir Bizenjo is the name of a philosophy, who preferred peaceful negotiation to achieve the rights of Balochistan.

“The National Party believes in democracy and the supremacy of parliament and the Constitution and will always support the democratic process in the country.”

He said once again conspiracies were being hatched to derail democracy and the democratic government. However, he said the National Party will play its due role in foiling such attempts and will be at the forefront along with other political forces.