March 30, 2003	Sunday	Muharram 26, 1424

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ISLAMABAD March 29: All the 22 Senators from Balochistan, representing different national and regional parties, on Saturday decided to close ranks and form a “Balochistan Senators Forum.”

Senator Mir Naseer Khan Mengal of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) was chosen as coordinator and Senator Dr Ismail Buledi of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal as deputy coordinator.

The stated purpose of the forum is to get the outstanding problems of the province resolved.

Naseer Mengal and Dr Buledi told newsmen after the first meeting of the group that it will raise issues pertaining to the rights of Balochistan on the floor of the house.

They cited “inequitable distribution” of funds on the basis of population, “injustice” in the NFC award quota, lack of proper payment under gas royalty and non-existence of provincial representation in the federal services as key problems facing the province.

Mr Mengal said a similar forum would also be formed in the National Assembly.

Raza Mohammad Raza of PMAP said while all minority parties would join hands with the majority parties in the forum, “we will not go with them if a move was made to meet Gen Musharraf.”