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Friday, April 05, 2013
Army to ‘fully back’ solution to Balochistan problems: COAS
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Quetta and held meetings with Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Baksh Barozai.
The security situation and smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections were discussed in the meetings held late on Wednesday. According to an ISPR press release, the COAS reiterated army’s commitment to extending all possible assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The provincial leadership was assured by the COAS that the army would wholeheartedly welcome all-inclusive elections.
Gen Kayani emphasised the need for participation by all political parties in the May elections. He said army is prepared to extend all necessary support in this regard. Earlier, Commander of the Southern Command Lieutenant General Muhammad Alam Khattak briefed the COAS regarding security situation and development projects being undertaken by the army in Balochistan. Amidst growing criticism of the role of the military and security agencies in Balochistan, Gen Kayani said his force will “fully back” any solution to the problems of the restive province that are within the country’s constitution. “The army will fully back any solution under the constitution of Pakistan,” Kayani was quoted as saying in a rare public statement on the situation in Balochistan, which has been rocked by militant and sectarian violence for the past few years. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk