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ISLAMABAD: With disgruntled Baloch groups placing tough conditions for initiation of peace talks with the Balochistan government, the centre is all set to announce a Rs50 billion Balochistan Package with an aim to pave the way for ‘dialogue therapy’ and reduce the grievances of the local people for sustainable peace in the restive province, sources told The News on Monday.
The Balochistan government has so far contacted disgruntled Baloch groups three times in the recent months through unofficial channels but all of them demanded withdrawal of security forces from the province as a pre-condition for initiation of dialogue.
“Now the federal government has decided to launch massive development projects in the restive province to win the hearts of the people that would ultimately isolate those involved in terrorist attacks and anti-state activities,” the source said.
A committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that would sort out modalities for the development package to be executed by the provincial government.
The committee would comprise Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Balochistan chief secretary and four provincial ministers.
A senior official in the federal capital confided to The News that the provincial government had directly contacted Baloch groups in the last week of March this year through unofficial persons.
He said unless the provincial government convinces Baloch groups to set aside pre-conditions, the federal government would not get involved in the dialogue process that is why Malik-led Balochistan government is striving to soften the stance of these groups as has happened in the case of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that finally agreed to start unconditional peace talks with the government.
It is pertinent to mention here that Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch announced on July 28, 2013 to talk to all militant groups. The Sept. 9, 2013 All Parties Conference in Islamabad mainly focused on the issue of terrorism and talks with the Taliban but the participants entrusted Dr. Malik with the responsibility to approach all Baloch leaders and initiate talks with them. Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo of National Party told The News that the federation was much more important for any citizen of Pakistan and they had conveyed it to the disgruntled groups that were yet to show their willingness for a meaningful dialogue.
“Baloch people are loyal to their country and they want peace and development in their province. The federal government is so keen to launch development projects to improve the life standard of the local people who were marginalised in the past,” he said.
Provincial Minister for Health Rahmat Ali Baloch told The News that all back channels were being used for holding talks with the Baloch groups and a number of knowledgeable and reputed persons were also extending their support to make it a success.
“The federal government is so keen and helping us in holding talks with the disgruntled Baloch leaders, so hopefully the time would come soon when we would be able to directly interact with all of them for better future of the province,” he said.
Talking to The News, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rasheed said the federal government was committed to bringing Balochistan on a par with other developed areas of the country and “We will extend every possible financial assistance to our Baloch people most of whom even lack basic amenities of life.”
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had a vision about development of Balochistan and spadework was being done for a massive development package that would help win the confidence of the local people.
“The Malik-led provincial government has good track record so the federal government has decided to give it an important role in the execution of development projects,” he said.
Centre set to announce Rs50 bn Balochistan Package - thenews.com.pk
The Balochistan government has so far contacted disgruntled Baloch groups three times in the recent months through unofficial channels but all of them demanded withdrawal of security forces from the province as a pre-condition for initiation of dialogue.
“Now the federal government has decided to launch massive development projects in the restive province to win the hearts of the people that would ultimately isolate those involved in terrorist attacks and anti-state activities,” the source said.
A committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that would sort out modalities for the development package to be executed by the provincial government.
The committee would comprise Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Balochistan chief secretary and four provincial ministers.
A senior official in the federal capital confided to The News that the provincial government had directly contacted Baloch groups in the last week of March this year through unofficial persons.
He said unless the provincial government convinces Baloch groups to set aside pre-conditions, the federal government would not get involved in the dialogue process that is why Malik-led Balochistan government is striving to soften the stance of these groups as has happened in the case of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that finally agreed to start unconditional peace talks with the government.
It is pertinent to mention here that Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch announced on July 28, 2013 to talk to all militant groups. The Sept. 9, 2013 All Parties Conference in Islamabad mainly focused on the issue of terrorism and talks with the Taliban but the participants entrusted Dr. Malik with the responsibility to approach all Baloch leaders and initiate talks with them. Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo of National Party told The News that the federation was much more important for any citizen of Pakistan and they had conveyed it to the disgruntled groups that were yet to show their willingness for a meaningful dialogue.
“Baloch people are loyal to their country and they want peace and development in their province. The federal government is so keen to launch development projects to improve the life standard of the local people who were marginalised in the past,” he said.
Provincial Minister for Health Rahmat Ali Baloch told The News that all back channels were being used for holding talks with the Baloch groups and a number of knowledgeable and reputed persons were also extending their support to make it a success.
“The federal government is so keen and helping us in holding talks with the disgruntled Baloch leaders, so hopefully the time would come soon when we would be able to directly interact with all of them for better future of the province,” he said.
Talking to The News, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rasheed said the federal government was committed to bringing Balochistan on a par with other developed areas of the country and “We will extend every possible financial assistance to our Baloch people most of whom even lack basic amenities of life.”
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had a vision about development of Balochistan and spadework was being done for a massive development package that would help win the confidence of the local people.
“The Malik-led provincial government has good track record so the federal government has decided to give it an important role in the execution of development projects,” he said.
Centre set to announce Rs50 bn Balochistan Package - thenews.com.pk
