Pakistan People's Party on Sunday apologised to the people of Balochistan for the military offensive one of its governments in the past had launched against alleged 'rebels'. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had sent troops backed by gunship helicopters to crush alleged armed resistance by some Baloch groups against Pakistan in 1970s when he was prime minister.
This has, over the years, been stigma to the party being less popular in the province compared to rest of Pakistan, where it is liked passionately. "The PPP, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, apologises to the people of the province of Balochistan for the atrocities and injustices committed against them," a statement said after a meeting between party chief Asif Zardari and Balochistan's elected legislators.
The rare 'gesture' in the country's beleaguered politics comes just ahead of the installation of new administrations. It is from the party that has won most seats in the Centre in election.
Of late, there have been hyped fears that hatred against Islamabad's suppression of provincial rights would culminate in another break-up of Pakistan, like 1971 Dacca fall. The PPP said it would correct the past mistakes and would not make new ones.
"(PPP) pledges to embark on a new highway of healing and mutual respect," the statement issued by party's spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said, referring to Balochistan.
Zardari said that Balochistan had suffered hugely in the past and the party would do all it takes to heal the wounds inflicted by the injustices of the past. "The military operation in the province of Balochistan is stopped immediately," the party came out another firm demand.
"We will also talk to those who are not in the parliament, and have ascended to mountains," he told news conference in Islamabad immediately after PPP won elections last week.
The meeting also demanded immediate release of all political prisoners including Akhtar Mengal Musharraf put behind bar for opposing his rule.
SINDH:
Later several provincial legislatures-elect from Sindh asked Zardari not to consider allying the party with MQM.