See drones as a political threat

ISLAMABAD Leaders from Balochistan on Monday conveyed to President Asif Ali Zardari their concerns over the threat posed by impending US drone attacks in their province that they believe would further aggravate their problems. According to sources privy to the meeting of Baloch elders with the President here on Monday, they sought assurance from the President that drones would not attack Balochistan. The President, at the same time sources said, has told the Baloch leaders that the US has already been told that the drone attacks in Balochistan would be counterproductive. The delegation from Balochistan included Nawab Khalid Gichki of Mekran, Nawab Abdul Rehman of Kharan and Sardar Yar Mohammad Jamali. From the PPP side Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were present during the meeting. According to an official handout, the meeting discussed Aghaze Huqooq-i-Balochistan package, NFC award and developmental projects in Balochistan. The President, during the meeting, said that plans had been prepared for building four dams in the province of Balochistan. The state-owned irrigation lands under these dams will be distributed free of cost among the poor women of the area, he said. The President assigned Babar Awan to hold a meeting with Baloch leaders on the construction of mega projects. The President reiterated the governments endeavour to regain confidence of all the alienated political players of Balochistan, whether present in Pakistan or abroad. They should be part of the mainstream politics thus strengthening democracy and the country, the President desired. He said that PPP does not believe in politics of victimisation or confrontation. He said that he has already asked the Parliament to consider granting amnesty to political exiles of Balochistan.

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