Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Saturday said the government would do its best to address the grievances of the people of Balochistan. He was talking to media after holding an hour-long meeting with Baloch leader Sardar Attaullah Khan Mengal, here at his residence. The Prime Minister said that his meeting with Sardar Attaullah Mengal was long overdue and this time, he took the opportunity to meet him.
He said that Sardar Attaullah Mengal briefed him about the problems of the people of Balochistan, which included the issue of some missing persons as well as under-development of various areas of the province. The PM assured that the federal and provincial government would make joint efforts for the development and prosperity of people of Balochistan.
He further said that he would also ask the chairman of the implementation committee of the parliament, Senator Raza Rabbani, to meet the Baloch leaders as well as elected leaders of Balochistan to apprise them of the benefits of provincial autonomy, extended through the enactment of the 18th constitutional amendment.
When asked about his meeting with other Baloch leaders, the Prime Minister categorically said that he is prepared to meet all the political leaders, even those living abroad as and when they return to their homeland. In the same context, he mentioned that during the tenure of his government not a single political leader or worker has been sent to jail.
With regard to the issue of target killings, the PM said he has already instructed the ministry of interior to work out modalities for the security of the citizens. Sardar Attaullah Mengal thanked the Prime Minister for taking out time to meet him and to listen to his grievances. He especially mentioned that Baloch people are as good Pakistanis as the people of other parts of the country. With regard to the problems of people of Balochistan, he stated that he has informed the Prime Minister about the problems and he would be looking forward for some visible change.