QUETTA, Dec 11: Balochistan’s caretaker chief minister has started meetings with tribal elders and leaders of the Baloch and Pakhtun nationalist parties as part of an initiative to bring about a reconciliation in the province.

Sardar Bhootani had announced in his first press conference after taking the oath as chief minister that he would make efforts to resolve differences between tribes and political forces.

During the first leg of his campaign, Sardar Bhootani visited Anjira on Monday and had a meeting with the Senior Vice-President of the National Party (NP) and chief of Jhalawan, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, at his residence.

The chief minister termed the meeting positive, saying he was hopeful that his efforts for reconciliation would be successful. He said he would meet more tribal elders and political leaders to seek their help for ensuring peaceful elections in the province.

Sardar Sanaullah Zehri praised Sardar Bhootani for his efforts, assuring him of cooperation in making his initiative a success.

According to sources, during his visit to Anjira Sardar Asadullah Mengal, the grandson of Baloch leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal, had a meeting with the caretaker chief minister.

It was the first high-level contact between the government and the BNP-Mengal.