QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Mohammad Khan Achakzai has favored talks with alienated Baloch nationalist leaders to sort out a political solution to issues relating to the troubled province.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday at Governor House, he said talks are a solution to all issues concerning Balochistan.

"I do not know whether there is an operation taking place or not," he said when asked about Baloch nationalists claim that an army operation was still underway.

He stated that the Balochistan issue dates back to 1948 when the fort of the Khan of Kalat was attacked with a rocket.

"Law and order problems are there," the Balochistan Governor admitted that the province was facing a worsening law and order situation.

Governor Achakzai directed the provincial government to step up security and protect the lives and properties of masses.

"After the late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo, I am the first political governor of Balochistan," he said. In response to a question, Achakzai said his family has always made sacrifices for democracy in the country.

"My father spent 36 years behind bars to uphold the banner of truth and democracy," he said.

Achakzai said that this is the first time two political parties have been given a mandate by the masses.

"Yes both parties must deliver and address the grievances of the people," he said. To another question the governor said formation of cabinet was not his job.

He however stated that for the first time regional nationalist parties were given an opportunity to form the government in Balochistan.

Mohammad Khan Achakzai is the elder brother of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai. He is the son of Pakhtun nationalist leader Khan Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai.