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Pakistan Opposition criticizes use of force in Balochistan
Islamabad : Opposition parties in Pakistan and the senators representing the Balochistan province criticized the Pakistan government for use of force in the province, even as the federal government reiterated its resolve to continue the paramilitary action till the removal of what it termed “all miscreants and Firari camps” in the province.
Earlier, the Senate passed by a majority a draft bill to amend the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996 that was earlier passed by the National Assembly, which would pave the way for PTCL’s privatisation.
The house adopted an amendment in the amended Senate rules under Rule 242 sought to be moved by leader of the house Wasim Sajjad along with an amendment proposed by Ishaq Dar of the PML-N.
Dr Shahzad Wasim said that the federal government was determined to complete mega development projects in Balochistan to bring it on a par with other provinces and would not compromise with elements who were opposing development and progress.
He criticized the recent report of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report on Balochistan terming it lopsided and failing to cover all aspects of the Balochistan situation. Wasim alleged that criminal elements from other provinces had joined hands with local ‘miscreants’ and the government was not going to bow before them nor it would reconcile with these elements.
Prof Khurshid of the MMA urged the government to shun efforts to resolve the political issues of Balochistan through military means. He said the main demand of the people of Balochistan was equitable distribution of natural resources and greater provincial autonomy and arrangements needed to be made in that direction. He urged Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to take a fresh initiative and invite all political parties to resolve the issue by mutual understanding.
Pari Gul Agha of treasury benches from Balochistan complained of non-implementation of recommendations of the parliamentary committee and a lack of decision despite lengthy speeches in the parliament.
Kamran Murtaza from Balochistan said President Musharraf had announced a development package amounting to Rs1.5 billion for Kohulu with less than 100,000 populations while nothing was being done for provision of water to Quetta with more than 1.5 million population.
He accused the agencies of creating a clash-like situation in Dera Bugti by bringing in two tribes offensive to the Bugti tribe.
Some lawmakers asked nationalist senators to ask their leadership in Balochistan to condemn and distance themselves from acts of terrorism.