Concerned over volatile security, Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi has said that every lawmaker in the provincial assembly has to realise his responsibility for maintaining public order in the province.
“I believe that I, as the governor, and every elected member of the Balochistan Assembly, are responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation since we’re not playing our role in restoring peace in the province,” Magsi told journalists after the 10th convocation of the University of Balochistan on Saturday. “Expressing our helplessness or inability will not solve the problem,” he added.
He regretted that only one out of the 50 provincial ministers turned up to the convocation of this ‘premier university’. “It’ll be appropriate to put this question to the chief minister,” said Magsi when asked about the performance of the provincial cabinet.
When asked about the recovery of bullet-riddled bodies of missing persons, the governor said that he had taken up the issue at appropriate forums. “This must be stopped immediately and the culprits must be brought to book,” he added.
Governor Magsi conceded that the security situation started deteriorating following the 2006 killing of popular Baloch chieftain Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation ordered by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.
The governor attributed the spiralling kidnapping incidents to the poor economic conditions in the province. “People don’t have money and they will continue to kidnap people (for ransom) to earn a living,” he added.
Earlier, Governor Magsi, in his capacity as Chancellor University of Balochistan University, distributed gold medals to 35 top performers and announced a cash reward of Rs100,000 for each gold medallist. Five PhDs, 10 Mphil and 204 degrees in different disciplines in MA and MSc were awarded to students.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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Balochistanis already understand the problem and realize this case of Criminal Gross Neglect of Balochistan. It is about time that Pakistan and Pakistanis should also understand, realize and take some real concrete constructive steps to take Balochistan along instead of using force to suppress the problem/ issues and market the eye wash of "Balochistan Package".
As for Mr. Magsi, as far I remember, he has been speaking pretty frankly for quite some time now. .
even if he did realize, its few years too late, Mr Magsi. it would be good to show people of balochistan what you can do now. the people are desperate, the province hasnt seen development since Rahimuddin Khan, Nawab Bugti has been mercilessly killed. now more than ever balochistan needs reform.
he is a clean politician
Good Mr Govenor ! at least people at the helm of affairs have realised that ,"if they are not the part of solution they are the part propblem" Nothing has been lost , clear Intent , will and hard work will Insha Allah solve the issues , irritants and problem.
I think Zulfiqar Magsi should join PTI - he does have a clean reputation....and understands the Balochistan problems to a very good degree.
Well...at least someone admits it...realization is the first step of reform