18 January 2005	Tuesday	07 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 17: The situation in Balochistan is a political issue and political means will be used to resolve it, President of the Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said.

In a televised interview, he said: "Political issues can be resolved through political means and we are trying to resolve it." He said that he had thrice held talks with Baloch leaders and thoroughly discussed the issue with them.

Chaudhry Shujaat said that some elements wanted to create misunderstandings but "we will make our effort that they do not succeed in their nefarious designs." He said that parliamentary committee working under his chairmanship had broad political representation and would soon finalize its recommendations.

The committee would present its report to the government in two to three days, he added. Rejecting reports about the imminence of an army action in Balochistan, he said that the provincial government had requested the federal government for help.

Chaudhry Shujaat said that some elements were trying to exploit the issue of lady doctor Shazia Khalid to achieve their own ends. He said that the government had delicately handled the lady doctor's issue, adding that an inquiry would be conducted and culprits would be punished. -APP