QUETTA: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif arrived in Quetta to attend the passing out parade ceremony of 1,800 recruits from Balochistan and said on Thursday that 20,000 Baloch youths became part of armed forces during the past few years.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch, Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua and other civil and military officers also participated in the ceremony held at Quetta Garrison.

In his speech Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said that the number of officers and soldiers recruited from Balochistan had increased recently.

He said the development of Pakistan was linked with Balochistan.

"I am proud and honored to be here", the Army Chief said adding that Balochistan was enriched with mineral and natural resources and its people were talented.

General Raheel Sharif said armed forced played an important role in relief activities in earthquake affected Awaran district.

He also praised the army's role in ensuring peace during recently held local bodies elections in the province. "I hope the new recruits would play their role in stability of the country and face challenges", he said.

Addressing the passing out parade, the Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch underlined the need for maximum recruitment of Baloch youths to bring an end to prevailing sense of deprivation among the people.

He said that the province was undergoing a difficult situation and it was the responsibility of people from all walks of life to play their due role in restoration of peace.

The Chief Minister reiterated that his government was ready to hold talks with all groups to find an amicable solution to issues relating to the the militancy-hit province.