March 24, 2008	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 15, 1429

QUETTA, March 23: Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi said on Sunday that the provincial government might approach a court of law for the outstanding dues owed by the federal and Sindh governments.

Talking to newsmen after awarding civil awards at a ceremony held at the Governor’s House, he said he had already asked the officials concerned to approach the federal and Sindh governments in this regard.

“The Balochistan government will take up the issue of outstanding dues of Rs151 billion on account of gas development surcharge,” Nawab Magsi said.

“If they failed to resolve the issue amicably we may use the option of approaching a court of law,” he said.

He said the new government would try to get maximum funds and resources for the province because it was facing financial problems.

The governor said that he and the new government would work jointly to make the reconciliation process a success.

About the size of the new cabinet, he said the selection of ministers and the size of the cabinet were prerogatives of the chief minister.

Replying to a question about displaced persons of Marri and Bugti areas, he said he would take steps to rehabilitate these people after studying the matter in detail.

The governor awarded civil awards of Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz to three persons of Balochistan for their outstanding services in different fields.

Former spokesman for the Balochistan government, late Abdul Raziq Bugti, was honoured with Sitara-i-Imtiaz and his son Mirwan Bugti received the award.

Professor Abdul Razaaq Sabir and renowned musician Shah Wali were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for their services in the fields of literature and music.

Caretaker provincial ministers and Chief Secretary K. B. Rind attended the ceremony.