No military operation in Balochistan: Kaira
Minister says free, fair elections only solution to province’s issues.
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 30th, 2012.
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 30th, 2012.