July 22, 2003	Tuesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1424

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QUETTA, July 21: The government is seeking the cooperation of tribal leaders in the wake of the crackdown after the sectarian killings through the holding of a jirga on Wednesday, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yusuf said on Monday.

He was talking to a group of newsmen here.

Dispelling the rumours about the governor’s interference in the provincial matters, the Balochistan chief minister said that contentions in this regard were incorrect.

The chief minister said that the governor was performing his responsibilities within the constitutional parameter, adding that they always consulted each other on various important issues.

Stressing the need for expansion of the provincial cabinet, the chief minister said a date in this regard would be announced soon, adding that the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal had no objections in this connection.

Referring to the ongoing probe on the Quetta killing, he said that investigations were underway various factors were being examined.

Focussing on the government’s resolve to take stern action against perpetrators of the sectarian killings, he said that leaders of Baloch, Pakthun, and Hazara tribes had been invited to attend the jirga scheduled to be held on July 23, adding that they would be informed about the government’s views in the wake of reports collected by the investigation teams.

Stressing on the need of sectarian harmony, he said that the people were well aware about the extremism displayed by various sectarian organizations, adding that the government would not allow anyone to jeopardize the lives of innocent citizens.

Referring to the occupation of the Ayub Stadium hostel by the Frontier Constabulary, the chief minister said the government would look into the issue, adding that the FC personnel had been called to maintain peace and it would be better if everyone cooperated and ignored petty issues, keeping the interests of the people supreme.

The chief minister said that assistance amounting to Rs20 had been provided to victims of torrential rains which had lashed Harnai, Bolan and Nasirabad areas, adding that the provincial government had requested the federal government for provision of funds as well as 2,000 tents in this regard.