03 November 2004	Wednesday	19 Ramazan 1425

QUETTA, Nov 2: Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf has said that subversive activities like bomb blasts would not force the government to abandon the process of political dialogue in the province.

"A process of social change has been initiated in Balochistan and nobody can stop it. Those who are opposing the development process are fighting a lost war," the chief minister said, while talking to newsmen here on Tuesday evening.

He said the government was serious about political dialogue and wanted to resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations, and such blasts would not deter the government's resolve. "The problems being faced by the people of Balochistan would be resolved to their satisfaction through mutual understanding," he added.

Mr Yousuf said the federal government had started the process of dialogue with nationalist leaders ''on their request'', but it was beyond comprehension why were some people bent upon sabotaging it by issuing conflicting press statements.

The chief minister said that the people of Balochistan wanted to see their province developed and they would not tolerate the elements who were opposing development projects.

"Those who are opposing the development schemes have no sympathy with the people." He said they were opposing the development process only for their own interests.

Mr Yousuf said that the development process, especially mega projects, would be carried forward at all cost.

Replying to a question, he said that nobody could deny the importance of provincial autonomy, but its limits should be determined.

"We are supporters of provincial autonomy without putting the federation at stake," the chief minister said, adding that he believed in a strong and stable Pakistan.