Prime
Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday said 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.The Prime Minister was given briefing by Interior Minister,
Provincial Finance Minister, Chief Secretary Balochistan and Secretary
Interior. 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.He said the federal law enforcement agencies will undertake training of provincial police and levies.
The federal government and the Interior Ministry will spend Rs. one billion each to modernize 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was told that out of a total of 144 missing persons, 41 returned to their homes while false cases against 38 were withdrawn, while many other persons have been located.
The Prime Minister pointed that after approval of the 7th National Finance Commission award, major development work will be undertaken by the provinces.
However, the federal government is ready to work with the provincial governments on selected joint projects, he said adding the development projects will be completed on time to bring economic benefits to the people.
Gilani said instead of laying foundation stones, the focus should be on inauguration of development projects.
He informed that next meeting of the federal cabinet will be held in Balochistan to ponder over the political and security situation in the province.
The Prime Minister said that he would be visiting Balochistan every month and one federal minister will visit the province every week.
He said main purpose of his visit to the provincial capital is to improve coordination between the departments.
Balochistan is an important province and the federal government is committed to implement Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package, he added.
Gilani said the federal and provincial governments will contribute Rs.four billion and Rs. three billion respectively as subsidy for running of tubewells to irrigate land in Balochistan .
The project of Gwadar-Ratodero highway will help in utilizing the potential of Gwardar port, he added.
During the briefing, the Prime Minister was told that due to various reasons cost of governance in the province has increased.
Interior Minister A Rehman Malik told the meeting that the law of evidence will be strengthened.
He said the government has hard evidence of involvement of foreign agencies in Balochistan. He said facilities including availability of information technology is upgraded to improve performance of police.
The Minister said army is removed from Kohlu and Sui and now the area is controlled by Frontier Constabulary.
The Prime Minister said the Frontier Constabulary should work under the nstructions of the provincial government. APP
