News
Monday, June 06, 2011
PM invites Baloch leaders for dialogue* PM announces Rs 2bn to modernise provincial security agencies
* Hails progress on issue of missing persons
* Malik says govt has evidence of foreign role in Balochistan
QUETTA: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the government is ready for political dialogue with the estranged leaders of Balochistan in the larger national interest.
Speaking during a briefing here on security situation in Balochistan, the prime minister appreciated efforts of the Balochistan government to improve law and order situation in the province. He was given a briefing by interior minister, provincial finance minister, Balochistan chief secretary and interior secretary. Gilani stressed on the need for enhancing coordination among the federal and provincial law enforcement agencies.
He said that sharing of information among federal and provincial departments should be further strengthened. The federal government and the Interior Ministry will spend Rs 1 billion each to modernise and equip provincial law enforcement agencies with weapons and provide them transport, he said adding, “We will work together for ensuring peace and security.” He said cross-border movement of Afghan refugees should be checked.
Gilani said progress on the issue of missing persons is quite satisfactory, however, more efforts should be made for finding the remaining 38 persons. The prime minister was told that out of a total of 144 missing persons, 41 returned to their homes while false cases against 38 were withdrawn, while many other persons have been located.
Gilani pointed that after approval of the 7th National Finance Commission Award, major development work will be undertaken by the provinces. The premier said that the next meeting of the federal cabinet will be held in Balochistan to ponder over the political and security situation in the province. Gilani said the federal and provincial governments will contribute Rs 4 billion and Rs 3 billion, respectively, as subsidy for running of tube wells to irrigate land in Balochistan.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik told the meeting that the government has hard evidence of involvement of foreign agencies in Balochistan. The minister said army has been removed from Kohlu and Sui. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk