Zardari backs political dialogue in Balochistan

President Asif Ali Zardari said on Tuesday that certain quarters did not want stability in Balochistan and the rest of the country, yet “we will talk to all the political forces” for a peaceful future of the province.

The president received a briefing on the law and order situation in the province and progress on different ongoing development projects. The president directed the law-enforcement agencies to continue their efforts against terrorists.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Mandokhel, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, provincial ministers and senior federal and provincial authorities, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

The meeting decided to commence consultations regarding adopting a joint national narrative against terrorism. Zardari stressed the need for eliminating smuggling, which was causing damage to the national economy and observed that there was a deep link between terrorism and narcotics smuggling.

Also read: President orders holistic approach to uproot crimes in Sindh

He said that the government was fully cognisant of the backwardness and a frail economic situation in the province, adding that the province lacked health facilities compared with other provinces. He suggested that the province could seek advice from Sindh in this sector.

He also suggested the Balochistan government could emulate Sindh’s government model in develop an effective mechanism for provision of job opportunities to the people living in the border areas. He said that the two provinces could evolve a joint strategy for cooperation in different sectors.

He said that international cooperation could also be sought through the foreign ministry for provision of jobs to the skilled youth of the province abroad. He stressed the need for the release of allocated funds by the federal government to remove of backwardness from the province.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the issues related to governance, climate change and security. The early release of funds could lead to timely completion of public welfare projects in the province, he added.

Bugti said that the provincial government was working seriously for maintaining peace in the province, adding that holding of negotiations could not be ruled out. He said that that agenda in this regard should be reached with consensus at the national level.

During the meeting, cooperation of the federal government was sought for different uplift projects, including Burj Azam Khan Dam, Kachhi canal, Hub-Dareji to Dadu road, besides other projects related to Gadani Shipbreaking Yard, Gwadar Port, imparting skills to youth and climate change.