KARACHI, May 8: Balochistan issue cannot be resolved through talks with an individual or by taking an individual into confidence, but through practical measures. This was stated by Senior Vice-President of the Pakistan People’s Party, Balochistan, Sardar Mir Baz Khan Khetran on Sunday while briefing a group of journalists about situation in that province.

Sardar Khetran, who is also a former federal minister, said the way Gwadar lands were being allotted to investors had created doubts among Baloch people about the government’s future plans which, they apprehended, might turn the local population into minority.

He accused the DCO and some functionaries of the provincial government of hoodwinking people by first allotting the land to some local residents and then transferring the same to investors.

Sardar Khetran said that four-five blocks in Gwadar had already been transferred this way and certain development schemes to be executed there were being advertised through media.

“All these schemes would turn out to be a land scam bigger than those which involved some Chaudhrys in Punjab, as people of the province would resist the plans tooth and nail.

In reply to a question, he pointed out: “Gwadar’s population is about 6.5 million, but the rulers have planned to make it a port city of over 15 million souls. No one in Balochistan would tolerate this. This is why, the PPP is not only behind Nawab Akbar Bugti, but extends support to all those raising their voice for the cause of the rights of Balochistan people.”

He stressed the need for granting autonomy to all provinces in accordance with the 1973 constitution, and cautioned that the inordinate delay in this regard would not be in the interest of the country.

He reiterated that funds should be distributed among provinces on the basis of their resources and not population. Balochistan should be given 80 per cent share from the income of its resources, he added.

Sardar Khetran termed Chaudhry Shujaat-led committee on Balochistan ‘a powerless body’ which, he claimed, had been formed only to buy time.

About law and order in Balochistan, he observed that bomb blasts and rocket attacks had become order of the day which indicated that life and property of people there was at risk.

Replying to another question, he said that holding of free, fair and transparent elections in the country was the only solution to all problems being faced by the country.

“But this could be possible only after ensuring that agencies have no role in the election process.”

He claimed that it was the role of agencies which had plunged the country into crises and made the federation so fragile through experiments over the past 56 years.

The Sardar said that the PPP was striving hard to save the federation from further damage by demanding elections within this year. He said the ongoing talks between the party and the government also focused the same issue.

When asked why PPP Balochistan was not active, Sardar Khetran said that after defection Mr Fateh Hasni to PML, Lashkar Ali Raisani had been appointed as acting President and Mr Hidayatullah as acting secretary general of the party’s Balochistan chapter. Furthermore, he added, the active role of Asif Ali Zardari would help activate party cadres in the province.