PML-N gives seven-point formula to resolve Balochistan issue

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) on Friday gave a seven-point formula to resolve the festering Balochistan crisis, cautioning otherwise, 1971-like situation could erupt. PML former minister and central leader Senator M. Ishaq Dar told a news conference here that the rulers must learn from the checkered history and settle the crisis through peaceful means. "The issue is extremely complicated and needed to be handled politically. The use of force will be counter-productive," he said.
The party, he said, has proposed that hurling of threats to Balochistan must end. Reconciliation be opted for; the number of security forces be cut down, concurrent list be reviewed and more powers be given to the provinces, Balochistan sub-committee's recommendations be implemented, gas royalty issue be amicably settled, Gwadar Port Authority be named Balochistan Development Authority and the State Bank should give loans to Baloch people on soft terms.
Giving details of the Thursday's meeting between Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, Ishaq Dar said that the deliberations were fruitful.
"Both the sides agreed on revival of 1973 Constitution and restoration of democracy, strengthening of the state institutions and holding of free and transparent polls," he said.
The PML central leader, who is also the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) parliamentary leader in the Senate, said that the PPP and the PML leadership reached an agreement in principle on the charter of democracy's revival.
When asked about Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid's statement about a possible government-PPP seat adjustment and contacts, he said, "This is aimed at creating differences among the ARD component parties."
He said during his meeting with Benazir Bhutto on December 25, the PPP leader had categorically said that her party was not signing any deal with the rulers.
Switching from all-the-serious topic of politics, Senator Dar made a revelation that Shahbaz Sharif and Tehmina Durrani had tied the knot in 2003, due to reverence for his elder brother Nawaz Sharif, he kept it a secret till now.
He dismissed recent media reports that the Sharif brothers had developed differences, saying both shared complete unanimity on the issues and Shahbaz was incomplete without Nawaz.