QUETTA, Aug 23: The Awami National Party and its students’ wing have called for an end to what they called extra-constitutional methods being used by the government in the province and urged the rulers to resolve the Balochistan issue politically through negotiations with the Baloch leadership.

Speaking at a meeting held to mark the 16th death anniversary of three members of the Pakhtun Students Federation who had been killed in police firing on Aug 23, 1990, in front of the government science college, party leaders vowed to continue the struggle for the national rights of the Pakhtuns.

Balochistan ANP president Khudadad Khan, general secretary Nazimuddin Kakar and PkSF president Jamil Kakar spoke at the meeting held at the Zarif Shaheed Hall of the science college.

Paying tribute to the students, they said the ANP and the PkSF had rendered great sacrifices for restoration of constitutional rule, supremacy of parliament, independent judiciary and provincial autonomy.

They criticised the military operation in Dera Bugti and Kohlu and alleged extra-judicial arrests in the province.

They said the government could not suppress political movements by using state apparatus.

They said ignoring sentiments of the people by the government would harm the unity of the federation.

The ANP leaders said the Gen Musharraf government had failed to solve problems of the people.

SUSPENDED: A bench of the Balochistan High Court on Wednesday suspended a notification of the provincial government on a petition filed by a government official challenging the appointment of a junior officer as the provincial secretary for communication and works.