PPP facilitated all stakeholders in Balochistan: Rabbani

ISLAMABAD: Former Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani Tuesday questioned the claim of the Federal Government of initiating a dialogue with dissenting elements in Balochistan and said it was not new as the Aghaze Haqooq-e-Balochistan given by the PPP government, provided a political dialogue with all stakeholders and the return of ‘exiles’ was also facilitated.

“This dialogue was taken forward by the Provincial Government of Dr Abdul Malik. Such a dialogue never substantially progressed for lack of trust on both sides and concerns of the Pakistani state,” he said while reacting to prime minister’s statement that he will talk with dissenting elements in Balochistan

Senator Rabbani said the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan provided a comprehensive economic package and Rs4.6 billion were given as PSDP support, Rs2.8 billion were paid as arrears of royalty for Uch, which was pending since 1995 and Rs17.5 billion over draft of Balochistan was written off. “Realizing that, this was not a substitute for provincial autonomy.”

He said while dealing with the various on-going projects in the province, particularly Sandak, the Federal Government, from its 30% share in the project, immediately gave 20% to the Province. “It was decided that on completion of the project and withdrawal of the foreign firm the ownership will be transferred to the Province,” he said.

Senator Mian Raza Rabbani said the question of Balochistan is confined not only to financial assistance from the Federation but entails that the resources of the Province are controlled by the elected representatives, provincial autonomy is respected, Balochistan’s quota in the Federal Services is implemented and the remnants of the Sardari system which was done away by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto through the ‘System of Sardari (Abolition) Act, 1976’, be implemented in letter and spirit.