01 February 2005	Tuesday	21 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 31: Former prime minister and the chairman of National People's Party, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, on Monday expressed concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh and said that the writ of the government was not visible.

Addressing a news conference at his residence, Mr Jatoi said that it was the duty of government to protect life, honour and property of citizens. "I do not know where we are heading for," he said.

Mr Jatoi also condemned the attack on newspaper offices, murder of a religious leader in the metropolis and kidnapping of seven people, including two foreigners in Jacobabad. He said none of the culprits had been apprehended so far.

The NPP leader calls for resolving Balochistan issues by peaceful talks. He said that apprehensions of people in Balochistan on establishing army cantonments should not be made "point of prestige", adds PPI.

At the same time, he said, gas pipeline in Sui (Balochistan) should not be damaged as stoppage of gas supply effects national economy and common man in the country. People should not be provoked and their grievances must be resolved peacefully," he told newsmen at his residence after holding talks with PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

Mr Jatoi claimed that Shujaat Hussain had expressed desire for solving problems of Balochistan in a collective manner. "I promised to contribute by playing a role. In this connection, I have met Baloch leaders and found their approach positive in resolving the issues. I will again meet Sardar Ataullah Khan Mengal on Tuesday," NPP chairman stated.

He said that the question of giving autonomy to the provinces was being given importance by the government. "There is no need of retaining subjects in Federal Concurrent List in 1973 Constitution and these should be transferred to the provinces immediately," he said.