Govt to assist Balochistan in maintaining security: PM
Pakistan Times Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Balochistan will be provided all assistance to maintain law and order in the province.

Talking to Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, who met him here Sunday, the Prime Minister said no one will be allowed to damage vital national installations, says an official statement.

“The govt would seriously consider implementation of report of Parliamentary Committee on Balochistan when received,” he said.

Owais Ahmad Ghani briefed the Prime Minister on the law and order situation in Balochistan. The progress on development projects, Sabakzai and Mirani dams and Gawadar Port was also reviewed.

The Governor requested for accelerating the construction work of Quetta-Zhob-D I Khan Road.

MPs body for abolition of Sui pact

Another report says that the Parliamentary Committee on Balochistan has recommended to the government abolition of the concurrent list, signing Sui agreement till 2007 and new gas royalty formula besides concessions to Baloch people in new recruitment in the FC.

“Most of the members of the drafting committee have recommended abolition of the concurrent list that comprises 43 points, and delegation of powers to the provinces with Centre confining its role to four subjects,” a committee member said on Sunday.

Besides, the committee recommended induction of Balochistan people on priority basis in the FC while giving them special relaxation in education and other basic criteria.

“We have recommended that 10,000 recruitment should be made in FC from Balochistan even if the Jawans have less educational qualification.”

Recommendations

The drafting committee recommendations have yet to be handed over to the government and it is expected that these will be moved along with proposals on constitutional matters by the body, headed by Leader of the House in Senate, Wasim Sajjad.

The committee also asked the government to ensure implementation of at least 3.5 per cent quota in federal government services. “We have asked the government to fill the vacant posts under this quota so as to end the sense of deprivation among the Balochistan people.”

About dialogue, the source said that the back channels are working actively to resolve the law and order situation in the province. “The back channels are in contact with the Sardars of Balochistan and other relevant authorities.”

To a question, the sources said that there was no final date for a meeting of Sardar Akbar Bugti and Chaudhry Shujat Hussain. “It will take time to fix a date for dialogue.”●