31 January 2005	Monday	20 Zilhaj 1425

PESHAWAR, Jan 30: Federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said the government is determined to protect national assets.

Speaking to party workers at his residence here on Sunday, he said the government was trying hard to find a political solution to the Balochistan problem.

The government had already started negotiations with Baloch leaders to defuse tension and restore normality, the minister added. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate any violence in the province and was striving to find a peaceful and negotiated solution of the situation, he added.

Mr Sherpao said that Pakistan was trying to get rid of terrorism for which it had extended all-out support to the international community. He said his brother, Hayat Mohammad Khan, had been a victim of terrorism.

He urged workers of his party who were making preparations for the 30th death anniversary of Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao to forge unity in their ranks and prepare themselves for the next local bodies elections.

Mr Sherpao said his party would defeat the Awami National Party in the polls as it had done in the previous elections. A large number of party workers attended the meeting.