Down, but not out: Raisani vows to appear before SC, defend himself

Sidelined Balochistan chief minister rejects notion that he has not been taking an interest in provincial affairs.

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani on Thursday announced that he would appear before the Supreme Court on Friday along with other coalition partners in the law and order case and defend himself.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the Chief Minister said that the provincial government has full support of all its allied parties and that he would present his position on the case before the apex court on Friday.

"We will appear before the court and defend ourselves according to law and constitution," he remarked.

Strongly rejecting the allegation that the he was not taking an interest in provincial affairs, he said that he was discharging his duties in letter and spirit and his government was serving the masses.

Raisani also dispelled the impression regarding inefficiency of his government, an idea which he claimed was being spread certain elements. He said that his government is enjoying the full support and confidence of the people of Balochistan province.

Responding to a question, the Balochistan Chief Minister said that the provincial government was not unsuccessful, adding that a record number of development projects were carried out in the province.

To another question, he said his party membership has not been suspended, adding that no one could do that.

On this occasion, Raisani invited the journalists' community to visit Balochistan see for themselves the steps taken by the provincial government for development and prosperity of the province.

Responding to the reference about an aircraft being purchased, he said the plane was purchased for official use of the chief minister and governor of the province, and not for personal usage.