QUETTA: The provincial government of Balochistan has decided to approach the 'Grand Baloch Jirga' in order to try and convince Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood to return to the country.
Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch, while talking to DawnNews confirmed that his government will request members of the 'Grand Baloch Jirga' to make a formal appeal for Khan of Kalat’s return.
“We would send recommendations of recent meetings held with the Khan of Kalat to the federal government and the prime minister,” said the chief minister.
Read: Only 'Grand Baloch Jirga' has mandate to decide my return: Khan of Kalat
“We believe in dialogue, and all channels are being used to find a negotiated settlement for the issues facing the province,” added Baloch.
The chief minister also stated that many militants had surrendered their weapons and joined the political process, which is an encouraging sign for the province.
“The people of Balochistan are determined to get their rights through political and democratic means, and we need to address root causes for unrest moving forward,” stated Baloch.
Responding to a question, the chief minister said that extremism and terrorism had spread in Baloch dominated areas of the province during the last three decades, and the provincial government is determined to wipe out the curse of terrorism and extremism.
“All efforts are being made to address the issue of law and order in the province, and today there is no political intervention in the province’s police force.”
Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch also stated that the recent judicial commission formed to probe alleged rigging during the general elections of 2013 was fair and transparent, and it proved no rigging took place during the elections.
Read more: Khan of Kalat being persuaded to return home
“Balochistan needs democracy, as it offers solutions to all the problems being faced by the province and it would ensure Balochistan’s development and prosperity,” added Baloch.
Responding to a question regarding Reko Diq, the chief minister of the province stated that international bidders would be called and the bidding process would be conducted in a transparent manner.
“We would protect the natural wealth of Balochistan’s people at all costs.”
Earlier, Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood told a Baloch delegation that only the 'Grand Baloch Jirga' which had sent him abroad has the mandate and power to make a decision regarding his return.
The delegation had informed the Khan of Kalat that a gulf had formed owing to his prolonged absence from the political and tribal arena of Balochistan.
Almost all members of delegation sent earlier belonged to Mastung, Quetta and Kalat districts, and have personal relations with the self-exiled Baloch leader.
The delegation held a comprehensive meeting with Dawood but failed to convince him to return to the country.
The last grand Baloch jirga was held after a gap of 103 years in September 2006. It was convened by the Khan of Kalat and was held in Kalat. Tribal leaders and elders from Balochistan were invited to the jirga, which discussed the situation in the province with special reference to the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.
The jirga was attended by Nawab Aslam Raisani, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and other notable elders and tribal leaders from Balochistan.
The British government has, since then, provided political asylum to Mir Suleman Dawood, who has been living in London.
