Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch on Monday hinted towards reinitiating the dialogue process with exiled and disgruntled Baloch leaders after Eidul Azha.
“We believe in dialogue and are striving towards a negotiated settlement for issues that plague the province,” the chief minister said while talking to reporters.
The second phase of negotiations would be started soon after Eidul Azha to find an amicable solution to issues facing the province, the chief minister added. “I support anyone struggling for peace,” remarked Baloch.
The chief minister elaborated that he has been entrusted with the task to bring peace to the province.
Responding to a question regarding the reported killing of Allah Nazar, head of the proscribed Baloch Liberation Frontier (BLF), the chief minister said that his “death cannot be verified”. “There are rumours of his death, but I can neither deny nor confirm his death,” he said.
The chief minister termed corruption as one of the underlying reasons behind the existing fragile democratic system. “Corruption must be eliminated from the country in order to pave the way for development and prosperity,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention that security operations in Balochistan have increased in frequency and militants who were previously fighting against the state have started surrendering in substantial numbers after an amnesty was announced.
Earlier in August, around 400 militants had laid down their weapons before authorities in Quetta during a ceremony to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
It was also reported during the same month that Brahamdagh Bugti, the separatist leader of the outlawed Baloch Republican Party (BRP) had said that he is willing to negotiate with the government over the Balochistan issue.
The government is also engaged in negotiations with the Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Dawood.
