Some 'give and take' needed to resolve Balochistan crisis: Magsi

Governor Balochistan says it is the responsibility of the provincial government to stage talks with leaders.

QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi has suggested that all stakeholders, including Army, intelligence agencies, and political forces who accept Balochistan as part of Pakistan, should adopt a flexible policy of ‘give and take’ to resolve the Balochistan crisis.

He expressed these views while responding to the queries of journalists following the Pakistan day awards distribution ceremony at Governor House on Friday. “Dialogue will not be fruitful until both government and angry Baloch leadership show flexibility,” he said. “How can government hold talks with those who are demanding separation from Pakistan? Balochistan is the inseparable part of Pakistan and talks will be held with those who accept this truth.”

Responding to a another question about some Baloch leaders who had reportedly taken to the hills to wage their struggle for rights, Magsi dismissed such notions. He said no one is currently in the mountains since disgruntled leaders such as Nawab Khair Buksh Marri is in Karachi, Sardar Athaullah Mengal was in Wadh, Khuzdar and Gazen Marri was living in London.

“I can’t see the Balochistan issue being resolved as no one is showing flexibility. For resolving the issue, all the stakeholders should adopt the policy of ‘give and take’”, he said.

When asked whether he would be playing any role in holding talks, he said it is the responsibility of provincial government, and he did not have the mandate nor the power to hold negotiations with estranged Baloch leaders.

“I can not recruit a clerk in a department, it would be appropriate to ask questions pertaining to law and order and of holding talks from the Chief Minister and his cabinet members,” Magsi said.

Laying the prerogative of development in Balochistan at the feet of educated youngsters, the Governor said “in the presence of illiterate politicians, the dream of a prospering and developed Pakistan is out of reach.”

Magsi urged the educated youth to join politics, saying he is 60-year-old and about to retire from politics. “The status of Nawab and Sardar were given by the British who left long ago,” he added.

Governor Balochistan decorated six recipients of national civil awards on behalf of the President at the investiture ceremony held in Governor House.