Sep 20, 2008

Balochistan: Senator Calls For Provincial Autonomy


Active ImageBalochistan needs attention in fields of health, education and sanitation, says Senator Mehmood.
Below is an article published by The International News:

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Talha Mehmood on Thursday [18 September 2008] called for greater autonomy for all the federating units and urged the government to announce general amnesty for all the Baloch insurgents.

Addressing a press conference here, Senator Talha added that Balochistan was an important province of the country, which needed attention of the incumbent government, especially in the fields of health, education and sanitation.

He expressed shock over the plight of residents of far flung areas of Balochistan and said that it was high time for the government to work for raising their living standard.

He also condemned the killing of two women in Jaffarabad and said that a committee was formed to probe into the matter. He said the committee had directed the provincial police officer and other officials to submit a detailed report within a month.

Senator Talha said that he had convened a meeting of the FC, FIA and the Coast Guards officials after Eid in which various issues relating to the law and order would be discussed.

Muhammad Ejaz Khan adds: Talha Mehmood strongly recommended to the government to restore the old Levies system in Balochistan for maintaining the law and order situation.

He said that the people who were dislocated in Kohlu, Dera Bugti and other parts of the province must be rehabilitated in their own areas.

“The government, which has come into power with the slogan of giving provincial autonomy to the provinces, must fulfil its commitment and give maximum autonomy to the provinces under the 1973 Constitution,” he said.

He said that Balochistan had complete right over its natural resources and it must be given the due benefits of the same. “Sindh and the NWFP should also get their due rights,” he added.

Commenting on the alleged live burial of women in Balochistan, the senator said it was not a Baloch tradition to bury women alive. He said such acts of violence against women were condemnable and unbearable in any civilised society. He assured that stern action would be taken against those involved.

He urged the rulers to stop taking dictation from the United States on the country’s internal security issues, adding the military action in the tribal areas was being carried out on the dictation of the US.