PM to discuss package with Baloch leaders

[LahoreEstate]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is expected to visit Balochistan after Eidul Fitr to discuss with Baloch leaders a political, administrative and financial package prepared and forwarded to him by a special committee of the cabinet headed by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani.

During a meeting with Deputy Chairman of Senate Mir Jan Mohammad Jamali at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday, Mr Gilani said he would be open to suggestions by Baloch leaders and would try to accommodate these in the main document.

He said the government would take parliamentarians into confidence on the Balochistan package.

Mr Gilani discussed the package on Tuesday with ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan who expressed the hope that it would solve Balochistan’s problems and remove the sense of deprivation among the people. Senators Raza Rabbani and Rehana Yahya Baloch attended the meeting.

The prime minister said his government accorded high priority to development of Balochistan and all possible resources would be provided to achieve the objective.

Issues relating to law and order and ongoing development projects in the province also came under discussion.

Sources here said the government was considering to consult legal and constitutional experts on recommendations made by the committee.

Mr Jamali told Dawn after the meeting that the government was serious about resolving the Balochistan issue and was taking steps for durable peace in the province.

The 14-point package prepared by the committee incorporates some of the proposals put forward by the sub-committee headed by Mushahid Hussain Syed of the PML-Q.

The committee has proposed withdrawal of cases instituted against Baloch leaders and general amnesty for political prisoners.

Sources associated with the committee said that the recommendations had been approved by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn...lani-rs-02