KARACHI, Jan 17: Former Prime Minister and chief of the National People's Party Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi on Monday expressed grave concern over the 'rapidly deteriorating' situation in Balochistan and asked federal government to initiate talks with Baloch leaders "before the things reached a point of no return''.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Mr Jatoi emphasized the need for recognizing rights of the provinces and said that the situation in Balochistan was a national concern "and the onus of initiating talks with Baloch leaders is on the federal government.''

The problems in Balochistan, he added, could not be resolved at gunpoint as this would only aggravate the situation, and put the integrity of the whole country in danger.

"There is still a chance and the government may lose it if it did not take corrective measures," said Mr Jatoi, who also called for a halt to the siege and search operation in Sui. At the same time, he acknowledged the need for beefing up security to protect vital installations.

In reply to a question, the NPP chief said he was trying to contact Nawab Akbar Bugti, chief of the Jamhoori Watan Party, and Sardar Attaullah Mengal, head of the Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement (PONM). Mr Jatoi said he was ready to play a role in defusing the situation provided the government and Baloch leaders agreed.

The NPP chief supported the demand that royalty of natural resources be given to the concerned provinces as per the formula incorporated in the constitution. In this regard, he cited the practice pertaining to the hydel power royalty which was being given to the NWFP.

He said that security of gas installations must be ensured as it was imperative for our national economy. He was of the view that now when the government had set up a committee to resolve the problems being faced by Balochistan, certain remarks by PML Secretary General Senator Mushahid Hussain appeared "positive, but now that spirit is lacking.''

Mr Jatoi expressed solidarity with the people of Balochistan on behalf of the people of Sindh at this juncture, and hoped that the people of Punjab would also extend full support to Balochistan people. He, however, stressed on resolving all issues through a dialogue.

He also accused government functionaries of complicating the issue of a lady doctor's rape by first injecting reports that she was insane, etc. Such methods, he added, would not resolve issues.