THE Pakistan Muslim League-N is summoning an all-party conference to develop a common stance on how to deal with Balochistan.

Every party will be asked to give its input. I wonder what good it would be. Every party is going to say that the writ of the state should be re-established in Balochistan.

We will not negotiate with Baloch nationalists. The followers of Akbar Bugti have no claim at all. We can do without them.

Ask yourself how Nawaz Sharif’s party has emerged as the king-maker in Balochistan. Do you believe that the Baloch would permit outside forces to encroach upon their sovereignty to do with their assets and their wealth as they deem fit and appropriate?

For a long time now the Supreme Court has been pointing out the growing distance between the federation and Balochistan. It has been warning about strengthening the hands of the secessionists by ignoring their rights to their assets.

It has been warning about the continuous abuse of human rights and continuing genocide of the Hazaras in Quetta. And now our politicians will want to establish the writ of the state in an estranged province.

Does Nawaz have the same presence, the same ability to influence who governs the province in Sindh and KP. Can he determine who has control of resources in Sindh or KP?

How has this magic been perpetuated on Balochistan? How can the central government decide what to do with Gwadar?

Gwadar belongs to Balochistan and yet the central government feels free to hand it over to the Chinese. The Chinese are our good friends but they have their own priorities.

IQBAL ISMAIL Karachi

Ziarat Residency

THIS is with reference to the letter by Ismail Jan regarding restoration of Ziarat Residency (June 19). I would also like to share with readers another similar incident.

The Chapel Bridge (Kapelbrucke in German) is the famous covered footbridge located in Lucerne, Switzerland. The bridge was burned to ashes on Aug 18, 1993. However, the precious heritage was restored in a remarkable way and opened to tourists on April 14, 1994. The clinical job was done by restorers, of course with Swiss precision. Restoration of the destroyed Residency does deserve the same level of attention and dedication. I think the government will rise to the occasion and do the job with due diligence. All the Pakistanis living in the country and abroad will contribute generously for the national cause.

M. SALIM KHALID
Islamabad