MULTAN, June 10: Jamhoori Watan Party former deputy secretary Abdul Rauf Sasoli has said he is in favour of re-establishment of provinces on a cultural and geographical basis. And if Pashtoons living in Balochistan want their separate province, no Baloch has a right to object to their demand.

Speaking to Dawn, he declared Akhtar Mengal’s release a positive step, adding that compensation also was necessary because “Balochistan is already highly aggrieved”.

He said the Balochistan issue could be solved only by courage and sincerity.

He was all for giving time to the government to resolve the problems, saying he had absolutely no doubt about the sincerity of Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Asfandyar Wali.

Sasoli also appreciated Zulfiqar Magsi’s appointment as the Balochistan governor.

He said he was not consulted regarding the renaming of the JWP as the Baloch Republican Party (BRP) by Nawabzada Brahamdag Bugti, the grandson of Nawab Akbar Bugti.

The JWP associate also advocated a separate province for the Seraiki, but said he considered Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan and Muzaffargarh parts of Balochistan.

However, the decision to the link these areas with Balochistan or Seraikistan should be left to the people of these areas,he said.