After failing to persuade the Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Dawood to end his self-imposed exile in Britain and return to Balochistan, the provincial government has now decided to concede to Dawood’s demand to approach the ‘Grand Baloch Jirga’ and get a ruling on his return from them.
Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch told a news channel that his government will request members of the ‘Grand Baloch Jirga’ to make a formal appeal for Khan of Kalat’s return.
“We would also send recommendations of recent meetings held with the Khan of Kalat to the federal government and the prime minister,” said the chief minister. “We believe in dialogue and all channels are being used to find a negotiated settlement of the issues facing the province,” he added.
The chief minister also stated that many militants had surrendered their weapons and joined the political process, which is an encouraging sign for the province. “The people of Balochistan are determined to get their rights through a political and democratic means, and we need to address root causes for unrest moving forward,” stated Baloch.
Responding to a question, the chief minister said that extremism and terrorism had spread in Baloch dominated areas of the province during the last three decades, and the provincial government is determined to wipe out the curse of terrorism and extremism.
“All efforts are being made to address the issue of law and order in the province, and today there is no political intervention in the province’s police force.”
Baloch also stated that the recent judicial commission formed to probe alleged rigging during the general elections of 2013 was fair and transparent, and it proved that no rigging took place during the elections.
“Balochistan needs democracy, as it offers solutions to all the problems being faced by the province and it would ensure Balochistan’s development and prosperity,” added Baloch.
Responding to a question regarding Reko Diq, the chief minister of the province stated that international bidders would be called and the bidding process would be conducted in a transparent manner.
“We would protect the natural wealth of Balochistan’s people at all costs.”
Earlier, Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood told a Baloch government delegation that only the ‘Grand Baloch Jirga’ which had sent him abroad has the mandate and power to make a decision regarding his return.
