Door opens for talks: president: Balochistan, Waziristan
RAWALPINDI, March 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz discussed the country’s political environment, law and order situation in Balochistan and tribal areas, response to Afghan allegations and reshuffle of the federal cabinet during a meeting at the Army House on Wednesday.
The prime minister briefed the president on economic development and ongoing mega projects in the country.
Commenting on the situation in Balochistan and tribal areas, President Musharraf said: “We will not allow anybody to challenge the writ of the government and the miscreants who are targeting security forces will be dealt with an iron hand.”
However, the door for talks for political solution of the crises was open for them and they could take this path, he said and added: “We will not let them blackmail us.”
The president regretted the attitude of the Afghan government, saying the allegations levelled by Afghanistan really hurt him.
He said Pakistan had stopped infiltration of terrorists (into Afghanistan) but still Afghanistan blamed Pakistan which was not a good omen.
The president hailed the steps taken by the government for development of the tribal belt and said all available resources should be utilized for developing the area.
Praising the efforts for centenary celebrations of the Pakistan Muslim League, the president said steps should be taken for restructuring the party from the grass-root level.
On reshuffle in the federal cabinet, President Musharraf said decisions should be taken in consultation with coalition partners and people having good reputation should be inducted in the cabinet.
Both the leaders were of the opinion that general elections would be held in 2007 and reservations creeping in the mind of opposition over appointment of chief election commissioner were not correct. Opposition parties, they said, were consulted before the appointment.
Sources said the president and prime minister agreed over the names of new people in the cabinet. —Online
