QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai has called for promoting sport activities in the province to send a message of peace to the nation.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the All Pakistan T-20 Cricket Tournament at the Nawab Bugti Stadium on Friday night, he called upon the youth to play their role for making Balochistan peaceful and stable.

Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Commander of Southern Command Nasir Khan Janjua, Senior Minister Sanaullah Zehri and Sports Minister Mir Mujeebur Rehman Mohammad Hasni were among those who attended the ceremony.

Thirty-two teams from all over the country are taking part in the tournament. Eight teams have qualified for the final round at the end of elementary matches.

The governor said such events provided an opportunity of entertainment to people.

Mr Achakzai said the government would not allow the youth to take up arms.

Maj Gen Janjua said the youth of Balochistan had realised that they were being misguided and now they had begun to lay down arms.

He said holding the tournament was a testimony to the fact that things in Balochistan were changing for better.

He said a helpline had been set up where people could provide information to security forces about any suspected activity.

The sports minister said the government had fulfilled its promise about arranging such events every year.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2015

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