ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Quetta in the coming days to intensify reconciliation efforts to bring back the exiled Baloch leaders.

The Prime Minister met Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch here today to discuss the challenges faced by the underdeveloped province.

Sharif last visited Balochistan in August and launched ‘peaceful Balochistan plan’ to bring angry Balochs back into the mainstream.

Plans to reconcile with the angry Baloch leaders were approved by a special apex committee comprising army chief General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan among others.

Today, the premier said he will visit Balochistan soon and ensure swift implementation of multi-billion Kissan (farmers) package.

The underdeveloped province has long complained of discrimination by the centre and the resentment caused by it led to rise of insurgents.

Some Balochistan leaders like Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Daud Khan and Brahamdagh Bugti went into exile in protest against the prejudice.

Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch had recently announced he would be sending a jirga (tribal council) to meet the disgruntled leaders and persuade them to return.

Chief of Jhalawan and Senior Balochistan Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri had met exiled Baloch leader, Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Daud Khan, in London as part of the reconciliation policy in August but there has been little progress since.

Hope of a reconciliation stems from Brahamdagh Bugti’s recent statement in which he showed willingness to hold talks with the Pakistan government to resolve differences.

A government official told The Nation the PM’s upcoming visit will explore options to placate the exiled Baloch leaders.

“The visit will be a reconciliation effort for all. He will meet those present here (in Balochistan) and will be discussing how to bring the exiled leaders back. The PM really wants all the Baloch leaders to participate in development of the province,” he said.

The official said the issues of Balochistan were discussed in today’s meeting between the PM and the Balochistan Chief Minister.

“The two leaders agreed the return of exiled leaders will allow the provincial and the federal governments to improve situation in Balochistan,” he added.

Sharif said the development of Balochistan will remain the government's top agenda and assured Balochistan will not be meted out step-motherly treatment anymore.

The Prime Minister appreciated the provincial government's policies saying these have started yielding positive results in the province.

He also acknowledged the provincial government’s efforts to improve law and order situation in Balochistan.

During his next visit the PM will also check progress on three development projects, Mangi Dam, Balochistan Agriculture University and a flyover on Smungli Road that he inaugurated in August.

The Mangi Dam project, the Sumungli Road Flyover and Agricultural University projects will be completed at a cost of Rs 9,853 million, Rs 1500 million and Rs 4,589 respectively.