The government is expected to summon joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on November 15 to present and seek approval of 'Balochistan Package', sources told Business Recorder on Monday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Babar Awan confirmed to Business Recorder that the joint sitting of the Parliament would be summoned in a few days. However, he did not specify the exact date.
"Yes, the joint sitting of the Parliament would be convened in a few days to present and seek approval of the Balochistan Package," the minister said. The administrative and financial package would compensate the people of Balochistan to some extent the suffering for the last 60 years.
Prime Minister Yoiusaf Raza Gilani has taken into confidence heads of all political parties about the proposed 'package' ahead of the joint session. He has also invited Nawaz Sharif on a luncheon on Tuesday, and the two leaders are likely to discuss issues of national importance besides the proposed 'Balochistan Package' and 17th constitutional amendment.
Babar said that Pakistan People's Party leadership had promised the people of Balochistan after coming into the power that their problems would be addressed. The Prime Minister had constituted a committee headed by Senator Raza Rabbnani to prepare recommendations by taking on board all stakeholders.
The committee also reviewed the proposals and suggestions of previous committees on Balochistan and is reported to have submitted 14-point recommendations to the prime minister to address the administrative and financial problems of the restive province.
According to the Minister, the 'Balochistan Package' would help in winning the confidence of the people of the province and fulfil promises made by the PPP leaders including those by Benazir Bhutto. Babar said that Balochistan had never been the priority of previous governments, and claimed that the present democratic government would fulfil the promises made to the people of Balochistan.
He said that Benazir had also promised to the people of Balochistan during her December 15 visit to the province that they would be given their legitimate rights. He categorically denied that the political leadership of Balochistan was not taken on board, saying that the Prime Minister has taken into confidence the leadership of Balochistan. He said that the Prime Minister has discussed the 'package' with top political leadership of Balochistan including Chief Minister.