QUETTA: The head of southern command, Lt Gen Aamer Riaz, said presently there was no threat of insurgency in Balochistan, adding that "efforts would be made to address any issues that might cause hindrance in the development process in the province".

Riaz was addressing the media persons at Southern Command Headquarters on Thursday.

“There is no insurgency in Balochistan but a pit of misguided militancy. I would extend the efforts of former Commander Southern Command, Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua to maintain peace and order and to enhance the development process in the province."

He said that violence damages state and development process, however, we would have to accelerate the process of development.

“We will have to make investment-friendly environment to attract huge private investment in Balochistan in connection with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he maintained.

He said the federal and Balochistan government would have to make joint efforts to remove hindrances in the development process and to maintain peace and order.

The Commander Southern Command asserted that all stakeholders would have to make collective efforts to avail benefits from the current peaceful environment of Balochistan for ensuring sustainable development and empowerment of the people.

“There is need to carryout record development works in Balochistan including construction of water dams, roads, schools and health centres,” he said.

In reply to a question, Riaz said that due to Chinese influence in the region, there would be re-balance of international powers in the world.

“Pakistan will be a great beneficiary of this re-balance of international powers,” he said.

He said that China was the second largest economy of the world. The mega projects launched under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Gwadar deep sea port would not only benefit Balochistan but the whole country.

The general said, “No one can exploit interests of Pakistan as it is a powerful country of the world”.

He appreciated the role of media in highlighting positive aspects of the Balochistan situation.

Raiz maintained that credit of restoration of peace in Balochistan goes to all stakeholders including media, civil society, government, army, law enforcement agencies and the people of this province.