LAHORE: On the request of Governor Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, the Federal Government is sending its forces to Baluchistan to restore law and order in the province, a Press release announced here today [Jan 30]. The request was made by the Governor at a meeting with President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at the Gover­nor’s House today in which he discussed with him the situation prevailing in Baluchistan. Even as the Press release said this, Governor Bizenjo told newsmen at Lahore Airport that the situation in Lasbela is quite under control and no forces were required there.

He said in the present trouble, some vested interests wanted that the ‘President’s Rule’ should be enforced in Baluchistan. But, he add­ed, the President was a wise and able person and would not do this in any case. As the Bal­u­chistan Governor was talking to newsmen, there came a call — apparently from Quetta — which, according to Mr. Bizenjo in­­f­o­r­med him that Federal Government is sen­ding its own forces to restore law and order in the province. Immediately afterwards, Mr. Biz­e­n­­jo rang up the President at the Governor’s Ho­­u­­se. An­­oth­­er report said that the Jam Sahib of La­­sbela this evening called on President Bhut­­to at the Governor’s House and apprised him about the latest situation in Lasbela. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2023