Pakistan

No military operation in Balochistan: Kaira

Minister says free, fair elections only solution to province’s issues.

Our Correspondent September 30, 2012

LALAMUSA:

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that there is no military operation going on in Balochistan and that if anyone has proof of an operation they should share it with the government, media and court. He made the comments Saturday during a press conference.

The minister said that free, fair and transparent elections were the only solution to the Balochistan issue. “The Baloch political leadership should take part in the next general elections, which are not far away and whatever decision the people of Balochistan make in the polls, will be acceptable to all,” he added.

Kaira said that all the political parties have confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Baloch leaders should share any suggestions with the commission to help ensure free and fair elections.

“We respect the real political leadership of Balochistan and welcome them back home,” Kaira said, while speaking to the media.

He added that soon after coming to power, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government apologised to the people of Balochistan for the injustices meted out to them by the past regime. “Although it was not a solution to their problems, at least we took the step to console them,” he noted.

The minister also highlighted that the PPP government had taken several measures to provide relief to the people of Balochistan. “We increased their share in the NFC award from Rs40 billion to Rs170 billion, launched the Aghaz-e-Huqooq Balochistan Package and enhanced the job quota for the Baloch youth,” he said. APP

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^t^h, 2012.

COMMENTS (3)

samina | 12 years ago | Reply Not really. Zia thought he was ruler-for-life and would keep saving us from ourselves for decades to come (fortunately only the first part was acceptable to the Almighty above). These judges know they will be going home in a few years (next year?), so they are doing what they are doing – good or bad – for a post-retirement legacy. They are well aware of their limitations. And taking a stand on Balochistan for instance is not a waste of time. And most of all – unlike Zia – these judges have gained an air of legitimacy after 2007. They may be a wacky bunch, but I can assure you that 30 years hence no one will be blaming them for putting Pakistan on the wrong path, a crime we now routinely associate with Zia.

Ahmad | 12 years ago | Reply I agree with Kaira on this point . Sardars like akhtar mengal and other Murree , Bughatti received millions of funds in Past and spent nothing for their people Now they are sitting in Europe and enjoying

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