Peace the only way for Balochistan's progress: Gilani

Prime minister asks militants to shun violence and work for the progress of Pakistan.


October 11, 2011

QUETTA: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that the prosperity of Balochistan was linked to peace and asked militants to shun violence and work for the progress of Pakistan.

While addressing the passing-out parade of Pakistan Army recruits from Balochistan, he said, "choose the path of peace, as this is the only way for the progress of people of Balochistan and Pakistan.”

"The agenda of these terrorists and extremists is certainly against Pakistan," Gilani said.

The prime minister said those who opt not to pay heed to this advice must understand that they might delay progress and prosperity of the people of Balochistan, however he said that they cannot deprive the people from the pace of development for long.

(Read: Aghaz-e-Haqooq package: Reassurances aside, much left to be done in Balochistan)

The event was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and senior civil and military officials.

The premier reviewed the guard of honour, the young recruits saluted him and the national anthem was played. The recruits also exhibited their prowess in anti-terrorist skills and demonstrated ways to neutralise militants.

Gilani said that Pakistan was passing through a critical phase and regretted that some people had chosen the path of terrorism, which he said was bringing a bad name to the country and to Islam.

He paid tributes to the country's armed forces for their sacrifices to free the country from the scourge of terrorism.

Gilani said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan must stand united to eliminate extremism and terrorism and to bring prosperity and development to the country.

The prime minister also lauded the Baloch youth for standing shoulder to shoulder with their brethren to safeguard the country's sovereignty and integrity.

(Read: Good for Balochistan)

Gilani said that the government had planned to provide jobs to 20,000 youth from Balochistan and appreciated Kayani and Commander of the Southern Command Lt General Javed Zia for ensuring best possible training to bring the youth to mainstream.

"I am sure these youth will bring honour and dignity to the country's armed forces and Pakistan," the prime minister said.

COMMENTS (14)

SB | 12 years ago | Reply

Placate the Balochs. This manthra of deprivation must stop. If the sardars have cheated, made them slaves and usurped their money why should the people of Pakistan, of course Balochs included should pay the price for it? Baluchistan can become the banana basket of the world and could be the richest province if only their sardars let them. Hug the people of Baluchistan even if you have to displease the sardars.

Mirza | 12 years ago | Reply

First condition for peace in Baluchistan is the complete removal of armed forces from there. Otherwise any talk is just a talk.

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