News
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Nationalists should hold dialogue: PM
* Gilani says Representatives from Balochistan to be included in delegations to Iran and Afghanistan
QUETTA: Gilani urged nationalist leaders to join in the efforts for peace and try to resolve various issues being faced by them through dialogue on Tuesday.
Addressing the workers’ convention of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at the Governor House, he said that Pakistan desires to have peaceful ties with its neighbours including Iran and Afghanistan, as this would provide a boost to the country’s economy. Governor of Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Interior Minister Rehman Malik were also present on the occasion. Gilani said that representatives from the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce would be included in delegations sent for bilateral dialogue with Iran and Afghanistan for the purpose of enhancing trade activities. He stated that a stable Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan.
He said that the United States should involve Pakistan in the reconciliation process which it was pursuing in Afghanistan and that it would create problems for the country if it did not participate in the dialogue.
He stressed that PPP-led democratic government was pursuing the policy of reconciliation as envisioned by its great leaders. He stated that it was in the best interest of Pakistan. “Reconciliation should not be considered our weakness,” he said. He said that the people of Balochistan wanted peace to prevail in the province. According to him, the masses of Balochistan had to face hardships due to the deterioration of law and order in the province.
He said that these included implementation of the Agahz- i- Haqooq Balochistan package, acceptance of demands of Balochistan in the seventh NFC award and empowering the locals to use their own resources.
He said the federal government was making efforts to increase the volume of trade in the country, particularly in Balochistan, to help create employment opportunities.
He said that a rise in economic activities would enhance the energy of youth and thereby help reduce crime and terrorism. During his visit to Balochistan, according to him, he listened to the representatives of the people with regard to the work and performance shown by the institutions of the federal government. He said that he directed the federal ministers to visit Balochistan once a month to help resolve the problems being faced by the ministries in Balochistan.
He said that important projects, funded by the federal and provincial governments, were proceeding according to schedule in the province and added that those projects which were close to completion would be given special priority. The prime minister said that he and the chief minister of Balochistan would inaugurate these projects together.
He said that the issue of Balochistan, including its development, would be taken up in the federal cabinet’s meeting to be held on Wednesday.
The prime minister said that he had directed Chairman FBR, Export Promotion Bureau, Secretary Commerce, Chairman NHA and other officials to frequently visit Balochistan and meet the relevant people in order to help resolve the problems of the business community.
He said that law and order was a provincial matter, but also stated that the federal government would extend full support to the province of Balochistan whenever required. He said that he had directed Interior Minister Rehman Malik to visit Balochistan and coordinate security measures. Gilani said that the National Highway Authority (NHA) had been directed to quickly complete its projects in Balochistan. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk