Gilani orders withdrawal of army from Balochistan; offers talks with dissident leaders
ISLAMABAD, Dec 9 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday reiterating offer to hold talks with dissident Baloch leaders announced replacement of army with the FC, addressing a long standing demand of the people. Addressing the joint sitting of the parliament at the end of a two day debate on according more rights to Balochistan, Gilani said the government will do all within its means to end years of deprivation and injustices to the province.
Gilani announced end of seven checkposts in the province and said the checkposts have been closed at Othal, Lehri, Dera Allah Yar, Sheikh Wasil, Gawal, Zero Point and Islamzai.
He said on his directive FC was now replacing the army and as a first step army has been withdrawan from Kohlu cantonment. He said a notification in this regard has been issued.
He said measures were being taken to place the FC under the direct control of the Chief Minister.
He pointed that soon FC will also be deployed at Sui and work was underway to add three new wings. He said the border along Mund would be opened.
Announcing a series of measures Gilani said orders for payment of dues amounting to Rs 120 billion for Balochistan have been issued. He said it was just the start and not the end to make Pakistan strong and prosperous.
“We have never shied from meeting any stakeholder,” Gilani said and added that he was ready to personally visit and meet any political leader, whether young or old, at their place, for greater reconciliation in the larger interest of the nation.
The prime minister urged the young Baloch to join hands with the government in making their province and Pakistan strong. He said “with confidence and sincerity we will make it a strong nation that will foil attempts of all enemies.” He said the B areas were also being converted into A areas.
Gilani termed the making of the Aghaz e Haqooq e Balochistan as a “difficult task” and said he was grateful to Almighty Allah to guide and give him strength in providing relief to the people of Balochistan.
He said it was government’s determination that the implementation on the Balochistan package has started and said all resolutions passed by the Balochistan assembly since 2002 have been accommodated in the set of proposals.
The prime minister said when the government took over it was informed that around 8,000 people were missing. However after a thorough probe it was found that the actual number was only 992. He said of these, 262 have returned to their homes so far and other innocent will also return soon, he added.
He asked the Balochistan government to release a list of the missing people through media.
He said under the package all political workers will be released that are not involved in any serious crimes. He said last year, 83 cases were withdrawn and 89 more would be withdrawn.
He announced that 10,000 youth of Balochistan would be provided jobs, besides government jobs will be provided to 5,000 graduates which will be besides the regular quota.
Gilani announced lowering of educational qualification for appointment in Coast Guards from matriculation to class 8 to enable more young Baloch join the service.
He said Senate Standing committee will monitor and ensure implementation of the decisions taken for Balochistan. Gilani said he has directed payment of Rs one billion each for the flood affectees, the Internally Displaced People.
Gilani was appreciative of all parliamentarians and in particular mentioned President and PPP co chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, leader of PML N Mian Nawaz Sharif, PML Q leader Ch. Shujaat Hussain, PML F leader Pir Pagaro, MQM leader Altaf Hussai and other political leaders for their support.
Regarding foreign interference in Balochistan he said he was the first person from this house that spoke of Indian interference and was mentioned in the joint statement after his talks with Manmohan Singh at Sharm el Sheikh.
“We will decide when and at which forum to provide such evidence,” Gilani told the joint sitting of the parliament.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Gilani orders withdrawal of army from Balochistan; offers talks with dissident leaders