March, 21 2005	Monday	10 Safar 1426

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KARACHI, March 20: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain, expressing solidarity with the people of Balochistan, has assured Nawab Akbar Bugti that his party would not leave Baloch people alone in this hour of trial and tribulation. He talked to Nawab Bugti by telephone on Sunday and pledged that the issues relating to the rights of Balochistan and its people would be raised at all forums, including senate and National Assembly. Both the leaders agreed that the issues could only be resolved through dialogue. Nawab Bugti, however, reiterated that talks could not held on gunpoint. He demanded an immediate halt to the military operation in Dera Bugti, withdrawal of law-enforcement agencies from the area and restoration of an atmosphere conducive to talks.

Mr Hussain held out the assurance that he would talk to the relevant authorities so that a peaceful solution to the Balochistan issue could be found.

Nawab Bugti told him that at least 60 people had been killed in firing by the security forces in Dera Bugti on Thursday. Even women’s procession taken out against the killings had been fired upon, he alleged.