QUETTA, July 24: Harnai should be given the district status in line with a resolution passed by the Balochistan Assembly in 1997. The demand was made by president of ANP, Sibi, Haji Khudadad Bhatti, and Sibi Naib Nazim Haji Syed Mohammad Anwar Shah at a press conference here on Sunday.

Haji Bhatti and Haji Shah said despite being rich in natural resources, gas and coal in particular, Harnai had not been given the status of district. People here were facing many problems, they said, adding that they had to travel to Sibi for getting administration works done.

They said a delegation of Harnai Awami Tehrik had met Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf and Senior Minister Maulana Wasay on April 1, 2006. During the meeting, the chief minister had promised to accord district status to Harnai at a public gathering on April 8, but the commitment was honoured, they added.