27 January 2005	Thursday	16 Zilhaj 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said the government wants to resolve all problems, including the Balochistan issue, through mutual consultation and reconciliation and asserted that all vital national assets would be protected at any cost.

The president was talking to Pakistan Muslim League (PML) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain who had had called on him at the Army House here on Wednesday. Chaudhry Shujaat briefed the president on his recent meetings in Karachi with political leaders particularly those from Balochistan.

The PML chief also informed the president about political initiatives being taken by the government for creating a congenial atmosphere in the province. Gen Musharraf urged political leaders to assist the government in its efforts to maintain peace and harmony.

He emphasized that the protection of national assets like the Sui installations was vital and adequate measures were being taken to ensure their security. The president spoke about various mega projects being carried out in Balochistan with particular reference to the recently-completed Makran Coastal Highway and the under-construction Mirani dam, Gwadar port and Kachhi Canal.

Gen Musharraf said that these projects with huge investments from the government were directly benefiting the people of Balochistan in the form of greater employment opportunities, poverty reduction and access to modern facilities.

He said that timely completion of these projects would be ensured, as these were in the interest of the country, and the people of Balochistan would benefit the most from them.

The president said that in addition to mega projects, the federal government was also extending assistance to Balochistan for other projects like improvement of watercourses, health, education and social welfare. He claimed that the people were witnessing a remarkable, socio-economic change in Balochistan.