QUETTA, Nov 19: Balochistan caretaker Chief Minister Sardar Mohammad Saleh Bhootani on Monday ordered release of all political leaders, lawyers and members of civil society arrested in the province after the imposition of emergency.

Addressing a press conference after talking oath of office here on Monday, he said the decision had been taken as a goodwill gesture.

The chief minister sought help and cooperation of political leaders and tribal elders for starting a reconciliation process in Balochistan.

Detained leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Abdul Rahim Mandokhel and Mohammad Akhtar Lango, were free from today, Sardar Bhootani said, adding that his government was determined to go ahead with a reconciliation policy with all political groups in order to create a conducive atmosphere for elections.

“I have no political ambition and I believe in political reconciliation,” he said. He added that a peaceful environment would be ensured for elections.

He said that all government officials had been directed not to interfere in the election process.

Sardar Bhootani said that he would invite all political leaders and tribal elders to hold talks for reconciliation.

Sardar Bhootani announced: “There is no military operation in any part of Balochistan.”

Earlier, Sardar Bhootani and his 11-member cabinet took oath of their offices.

The ministers who took the oath are Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi, Ms Roshan Khurshid Buracha, Mir Mohammad Murad Abro, Ata Mohammad Gul, Nawabzada Aurangzeb Jogezai, Amjad Rashid, Sardar Haider Khan Nasar, Sardar Sadat Ali Hazara, Sardar Ghous Bakhsh Barozai, Mir Arif Jan Mohammad Hasni and Abdul Ghafoor Baloch.