Raisani rejects idea of new provinces

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani Monday rejected the idea for creating new provinces in the country, saying the move might prove detrimental for the country. The issue of the provinces was more emotional than political, he added.
In a statement, the chief minister opined that the issue should not be raised at a time when the provinces needed more powers for strengthening the federation. The present provinces should be made stronger by granting them more powers as the authorities delegated under the 18th Amendment were insufficient, he added. Raisani said he respected the nationalities living in any part of the country as they were associated with each other in a bond of brotherhood through culture, traditions and religion for centuries. The chief minister while criticising the separatist groups said he did not agree with these handful elements as the majority of the Baloch people desired continuing to live with Pakistan.
Without mentioning the name of his nephew Hakmal Raisani who was killed in a bomb attack fifteen days ago, he said the separatist organisations did not spare even a 14-year-old boy in the name of Baloch cause. “Some so called Baloch political leaders in their statements are questioning the nationality of their rivals. I do not need any certificate from anyone for being a Baloch as I am second to Khan-e-Baloch (chieftain) in the tribal hierarchy. I was and am a Baloch and will remain so.”
He said the Baloch nation was being pushed towards civil war as very few elements raised the slogan of freedom and could attract only very limited number of people while the majority had already rejected the notion of independence. Raisani said Pakistan was a reality and all Baloch would have to wage their struggle for their rights within its boundary instead of gunning down a teacher, a barber or a washerman or any innocent person by misleading the youth.