PM says foreign elements involved in Balochistan

Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf has said that the turbulence in Balochistan, though foreign abetted, is an internal issue for the state and people of Pakistan to resolve.

He was addressing participants of the workshop on Balochistan situation “Perception and Realities - the Way Forward” at the National Defence University in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said all our friends interested to bring about peace in this region are expected to respect the sovereignty of Pakistan and the aspirations of more than 95% people of Balochistan, who are as patriotic Pakistanis as in any other part of the country. The state and people of Pakistan are capable to solve their problems and they would assert their sovereign right and independence in dealing with their domestic problems.

Raja Parvez Ashraf said we do recognize the sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan and the need for rapid development of this province. However, the situation of Balochistan should be seen in its true perspective dispassionately and in a cool-headed manner. The situation in Balochistan is far from being simple because of internal and external linkages. There is not one but in fact many fronts on which we need to fight for the cause of the people of Balochistan.

The Prime Minister said the people of Balochistan particularly the poor have not tasted the fruits of independence and development as yet. The real issue of Balochistan is the socio-economic deprivation of the common people. The benefits of whatever developmental programmes and projects were undertaken in the past in Balochistan, did not trickle down to the common people. Another aspect is the menace of sectarianism and religious extremism that the people of Pakistan in general and the people of Balochistan in particular are victim of. He said our universities, think tanks, intellectuals and media have to play a constructive role to promote tolerance and harmony in the society.

He said sectarian killings, must be seen in the context of geo-strategic linkages to the Balochistan issue. Under the garb of sectarian cover, non-state actors and foreign-sponsored groups are fueling the fire that warrants vigilance at various tiers both at the governmental as well as at the societal levels.

The Prime Minister said the democratic government has taken concrete steps to take the people of Balochistan on board. The President of Pakistan offered a public apology to the people of Balochistan for the wrongs done to them and vowed to usher in a new dawn of prosperity in the province.

He said we have practically demonstrated our willingness through NFC Award, Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Initiative and the 18th Constitutional Amendment to redress the wrongs done earlier to the people of Balochistan in particular and other provinces in general. As a consequence, besides a huge economic package, a large number of Baloch youth have been recruited both in military and civil sectors.

Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated the role of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps in promoting and protecting national interests in Balochistan.