ISLAMABAD, April 10: Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the government will continue to pursue political dialogue to resolve the Balochistan issue but it will also ensure safety of vital installations and will not allow anyone to damage or destroy them. Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, the minister expressed concern over seizure of heavy weapons from two Bugti tribesmen. This, he said, appeared to be part of a conspiracy to sabotage the ongoing political process to resolve the issue peacefully.

He said the two tribesmen, Abdul Karim Bugti and Waryam Bugti, had been arrested from a village near Quetta and 100 hand-grenades, 24 heavy explosives, 97 fuses, 110 time detonators and 102 highly sophisticated detonators were found in their possession.

It was strange that while Nawab Akbar Bugti was engaged in dialogue with the government his tribesmen were found in possession of such heavy weaponry, he added.

When asked about preparations being made by the PPP to welcome Asif Zardari on

his arrival from abroad, Sheikh Rashid said whether the PPP was allowed to stage a rally

on the occasion was purely a provincial matter to be decided by the government of

Punjab.

As far as the dialogue process between the government and the PPP was concerned, he said any ‘over enthusiasm’ on the part of the PPP on the occasion could adversely affect the process.

He added that the government would not give up the Swiss accounts case against the former first couple.

When asked if the government had any plan to hold talks with the PML-N, he said: “At present, the government is not thinking on these lines.”

About President Pervez Musharraf’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi, the minister said the president would discuss all issues, including the Kashmir dispute, during his talks with the Indian leadership and would not confine himself to watching cricket.

In a lighter vein he said: “President Musharraf will play cricket outside the stadium.”