QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Friday urged political forces to unite and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

He expressed these views while addressing a private educational institution. The chief minister stated that conspiracies were being hatched against the present democratic set up through what he called were unconstitutional means.

"Parliament is my first, second and third umpire," Dr. Baloch said, adding that his party was ready to defend democracy in the country.

He stated that democracy offers a solution to all the ills in the country and that it was the core responsibility of political parties to bury the hatchet and unite to defend it.

"Democracy will win in Pakistan," he expressed the hope, adding that the country could not afford any change at the present time.

He said that supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution must be ensured at all costs.

Regarding education, the chief minister stated that his coalition government was determined to enroll 2.3 million children out of school to educational institutions in Balochistan.

"We need to establish 12,000 schools in the province to educate our children," Dr Baloch said, adding that his government was in need of financial support from the center to carry out that goal.

He said that for the first time in the history of the province 24 per cent of the budget was allocated for the promotion of education.

"Only education can develop Balochistan," he added.

Balochistan lags behind other provinces of the country in key social indicators including education, health, sanitation, drinking water etc.

Dr. Baloch urged educationists to come forward and give suggestions to the government for improvement of the education sector.

He stated that all out efforts would be made to ensure implementation of article 25-A of the Constitution, which called for free and compulsory education.