Govt determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan: President

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said the government is determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan, which can be ensured with empowerment of people and development. He also underlined that all stakeholders should be on same page to make concerted efforts towards the development of province. The President expressed these views at a review meeting on Balochistan held here in the Presidency today. The meeting was jointly chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Briefing was given on development activities, prevalent law and order situation and security measures in Balochistan. The meeting was attended among others by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani. Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani briefed the President and Prime Minister on the development activities and rehabilitation of quake victims in the province and highlighted various schemes being started by provincial government for empowerment of downtrodden and destitute and alleviate poverty. Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik also briefed the meeting about the prevalent law and order situation and security measures being taken by the law enforcing agencies. He informed the meeting that law and order situation is improving in the provinces. He also apprised the President about progress to recover UN employee John Solecki, who was kidnapped in Quetta on February 2. The meeting was held in continuation of previously held consultative meetings held in the Presidency with parliamentarians and provincial government of Balochistan.