Gilani pledges all resources to Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: The government firmly believes progress and prosperity of Balochistan is in the country’s best interest, Prime Minister (PM) Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday. He said he was giving high priority to its development and all necessary resources would be provided for it. The PM was talking to Balochistan’s cabinet members, headed by Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani at Prime Minister’s house. He said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would protect the rights of smaller provinces as enshrined in the 1973 Constitution. The party would also continue its struggle for the supremacy of parliament and promotion of democracy in the country, he added. The PM said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ‘kept the safeguard of the rights of smaller provinces in mind’ while framing the 1973 constitution. That is why he preferred the bicameral system in which equal representation was given to each province. Thus, making sure the constitution is not amended without the consent of all units.He said Balochistan had an advantage due to its reserves of minerals and other natural resources and it was their duty to develop and explore those resources for the progress and betterment of the people there. Challenging government: Talking about the situation in Swat, the PM said nobody would be allowed to challenge the writ of the government. He condemned the elements that had forced the closure of several girls’ schools in the area. He added that Islam preached peace, harmony and tolerance and abhorred terrorism and extremism. The delegation appreciated the PM’s interest in solving Balochistan’s problems. It also praised Mr Gilani for inaugurating the Gwadar Port on time, which would encourage business activities and attract large investments in the area.