Political dialogue vital for resolving Balochistan’s issues: CM Bugti

QUETTA: The Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti hosted a dinner in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday.

During the dinner, CM Bugti stated that problems facing the country’s largest province can only be resolved through proper political dialogue.

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The CM detailed the significance of Balochistan for the country. Addressing the president, the Baloch CM noted that it was the first visit by a Pakistani president in a long time.

The CM mentioned issues plaguing Zardari’s first term as the country’s president. He also talked about how granting political autonomy to all four provinces was important in resolving interprovincial issues, especially of Balochistan.

Bugti outlined various challenges confronting his province, including climate change, peace, and governance issues. He envisioned a “sustainable and green” Balochistan that rested on political reconciliation across Pakistan to address these challenges properly.

Meanwhile in his speech, Zardari stated the federal government was committed to prioritise development and prosperity in Balochistan. He said that the province was important to the country due to its abundant mineral resources and extensive coastline.

The president pledged efforts to increase agricultural production by irrigating barren lands in Balochistan. He also mentioned the 18th amendment in the country’s constitution that empowered provinces and its importance in promoting national development.

Zardari talked about Balochistan’s untapped potential in the oil and gas sector. He stated that modern extraction methods were needed to harness the resources for economic growth.

The president pledged support for low-income families through programmes like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) for the country’s; least developed and sparsely populated province. Zardari vowed to expand such initiatives to ensure “broader coverage”.

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Zardari also assured the attendees that maximum efforts would be undertaken for the province’s development. He pledged support to the Balochistan government in “creating” development opportunities for its people.

The president also echoed Bugti’s statement on the importance of political dialogue in resolving Balochistan’s issues.