QUETTA, Jan 23: Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yusuf has said that the Balochistan issue cannot be resolved through confrontation.

According to a Press release issued here on Sunday, the chief minister told delegations of the Pakistan Muslim League from Turbat, Lasbela, Gwadar, Ormara and Awaran in Karachi that the correct approach to the issues, a spirit of reconciliation and a policy of accommodation with the federal government would get the province out of political problems and financial constraints.

He said that in the past confrontation had harmed the province's interest. Therefore, his government would not allow a recurrence of such a situation, he added. The chief minister said political parties should abandon the politics of criticism and play a constructive role to resolve the problems of the people.

He said that political groups which had apprehensions should give a positive response to the offer of PML chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, who was making concerted efforts to resolve the Balochistan issue politically.

The chief minister said a parliamentary sub-committee would soon present its comprehensive report on the issue and the parties should wait with till the submission of the recommendations.

He reiterated that no military operation was under way in the province and claimed that security steps taken in Sui had been welcomed by local people but some political groups were carrying out a negative propaganda campaign about the situation.

Jam Yusuf claimed that his government had taken a clear stand on the province's rights and the committee comprising three Balochistan cabinet members had held an encouraging meeting with the prime minister on the gas development surcharge, royalty and National Finance Commission award.