Brahamdagh and Hyrbiar Invited to Talks: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan News:  Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said Balochistan Package is not only a set of proposals but the decisions taken by federal and provincial governments to give rights due to the people of Balochistan for long.

The Prime Minister was addressing a news conference along with Balochistan Committee Chairman Senator Raza Rabbani and members Ministers for Information Qamar-ur Zaman Kaira, for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, for Petroleum Syed Naveed Qamar and for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Gilani said the package does not need approval of the Parliament, but would be fine-tuned by incorporating suggestions of both the houses.

He said that this is not a package but a step forward to meet the longstanding demands of Baloch people. Balochistan is part of Pakistan and its people should be given their due rights, he added.

Replying questions, Primer Minister said providing security to the foreign companies working in Balochistan is top priority of the government.

About probable change in US policy towards Afghanistan, he said the US was clearly communicated through Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that Pakistan should be taken into confidence in case of any paradigm shift in Afghan policy as strategy of exit in haste would have destabilising affects on Pakistan.

Gilani said Pakistan has conveyed to the US of its concerns that deployment of more US troops in Afghanistan may lead to militants’ influx in Balochistan. This must not happen and moving of militants towards Balochistan must be stopped in Afghanistan by the US forces.

About Indian interference in Balochistan, the Prime Minister said that the issue would be taken up at an appropriate forum. “We want to negotiate with Baloch nationalist leaders on any terms within the ambit of the Constitution and all of them including Brahamdagh Bugti and Hyrbiar Marri have been invited for meaningful talks,” he said, adding that he was in contact with the Baloch leadership. When asked whether talks would be held with Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and militants, the Prime Minister said the package defines clearly those with whom talks would be held.

Gilani said some missing persons recovered during last two to three days are being released and except Constitutional Amendments, the implementation of the rest of the package would be ensured as soon as possible. Gilani also mentioned about the Cabinet committee he constituted in the morning to regularly monitor the implementation of the package.

Gilani said all the political leadership was taken on board before announcing the package in the Parliament. The government has chosen this highest forum to announce the package having strong belief in the supremacy of the Parliament.

He said 5000 jobs promised in the package would be over and above the job quota of Balochistan which would be provided to the graduates of the province and said even if he has to give one time waiver in the criteria in this regard, he would do so.

The Prime Minister said there was no threat to political government, saying democracy and institutions are stable and no one could destabilise them.