ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani on Friday briefed Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on the security situation in Balochistan as well as the military’s efforts to restore peace in the region.

Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (DG) Lt Gen Nadeem Taj and Military Operations DG Maj Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha were also present.

General Kayani said the development works initiated by the government, with the assistance of the army and Frontier Corps, were essential to improving the living conditions of the people of Balochistan. Prime Minister Gilani told Kayani that it was vital to synergise the efforts of all elements of national power towards attainment of peace and progress in the province. He also called for a comprehensive strategy based on political engagement, economic development and use of minimum force.

Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani, the chief secretary, the Interior secretary, the inspector general of police and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Security situation: Later, the Balochistan governor and chief minister called on the premier and apprised him of the prevailing security situation in the province. Gilani told them that the government was committed to redressing the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

He said a new strategy designed to bring all people into the mainstream was being formulated in the spirit of reconciliation in consultation with representatives of the provincial government to restore law and order. Meanwhile, Magsi and Raisani briefed Gilani on the wheat supply in Balochistan.


Daily Times

They were probably discussing the modalities of Baloch freedom. No ###### way this government is going to stand up for Pakistan.