KARACHI, Sept 2: Awami National Party President Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan has advised the government to desist from using force against nationalists in Balochistan and, instead, solve their political problems through negotiations.

The sense of deprivation prevailing among the people of Balochistan needed to be removed, he said, adding that the ANP was making efforts bring all nationalist forces to the one-point agenda of 'provincial autonomy'.

Mr Khan was speaking at a party meeting held here on Wednesday at the residence of ANP Sindh chief Shahi Syed. He observed that Pakistan's survival, progress and stability did not depend on a strong Centre, but in provincial autonomy that guaranteed a strong country.