QUETTA, Feb 1: Governor Abdul Qadir has said that he would extend all out help and cooperation to Chief Minister Jam Yousaf.

This he stated while talking to reporters after taking oath of the office as the 18th governor of Balochistan.

The governor said that the chief minister was a competent person and independent in running all the affairs of the province. Mr Yousaf was enjoying all the powers of a provincial chief executive, he added.

Mr Qadir assured the chief minister of his all out help and cooperation, and said that it was his duty to help out the provincial government when needed.

About the dispute between gas companies and the Bugti tribe, the governor said that he would try to resolve it. “We are all patriotic Pakistanis and the gas reserves are our national assets. None of us want to damage them,” he added.

Regarding the tribal feuds, the governor said that it would be a pride for him to bring peace and asked the tribal elders to play due role in resolving the conflicts.

Mr Qadir said that he had no connections with any political party and would play his constitutional role, more over his door would remain open to all. He asked all the political parties to float suggestions for the development of the province.

Replying a question about reservations of some political circles regarding his appointment, the governor assured that they would be removed in the due course of time and said: “I also belong to Balochistan and we all are brothers.”

He said that all the issues would be resolved through mutual understanding.

He dispelled the impression that some people were victimized during the last three years.