Government's writ established in Balochistan: Sherpao

06 Aug, 2006

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said the government has wiped out the miscreants from Balochistan and established government' writ in the province.
Complete normalisation was not far away as people were co-operating with government for the sake of peace and development, Sherpao said while talking to reporters here on Friday evening.
The Interior Minister said that Rs 3.5 billion development package for Kohlun and similar package for Dera Bugti would bring more job opportunities and economic benefits to people.
He said more than 32,000 people, who were forced to leave their birthplace, had returned and were ready to play their role in socio-economic development of the province.
Sherpao rejected any possibility to hold dialogue with Akbar Bugti, saying that he and his allies had no role in the future of Balochistan. "We will talk to masses, who want peace and development", he added.
He said that most of Bugti commanders had surrendered and time was not so far away when he would be alone. Visible decline in blasts, kidnappings and other disruptive incidents showed that the province was returning towards normalcy, he added.
To a question about security of the IPI pipeline, he said the government was bound to make sure the security of foreign investors and every step would be taken to secure the pipeline.
Sherpao denied any contact with Benazir Bhutto, saying that his party was Pakistan Muslim League ally and would contest next general elections under this alliance.
To another question about participation of Pakistan in peace-keeping force for Lebanon, the Interior Minister said the decision would be taken after the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) session and by taking leadership of Muslim world into confidence.

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