Gilani, Sharif discuss proposals for Balochistan

Islamabad: A package of proposals to resolve grievances of people in insurgency-plagued Balochistan province came under discussion at a meeting between Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and former Premier Nawaz Sharif.

The meeting was held at the initiative of Gilani to take the top leader of main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) into confidence on the package before making it public.

Sharif later told reporters that he and his aides had given their views and underlined the need for a package "acceptable" to all, particularly the people of Balochistan.

He said political leaders and representatives of Balochistan, including those living outside Pakistan, should be fully consulted on any proposals to address the concerns of the people in the mineral-rich but destitute province.

"Tangible steps have to be taken to remove the pervasive sense of deprivation among people in Balochistan," he said.

The PML-N leader said he had reiterated the demand for thorough inquiry into the 2006 killing of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti and punishment to those responsible.

The Bugti tribe chieftain was killed in a military operation allegedly ordered by then military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

Prime Minister Gilani has not indicated when he would announce the proposed package. It is expected that after eliciting views of various parties and other segments of society a package may be presented to the parliament for endorsement.

Apprehension

The PML-N chief said there were apprehensions of involvement of India in fomenting trouble in Balochistan.

He said he urged the prime minister that if there was tangible proof of India's involvement in Balochistan's unrest, these be brought before the world.