KARACHI, Feb 25: Mr Yusuf A. Haroon, a veteran of the Pakistan Movement, has condemned the assault on a lady doctor in Sui and delay in meting out justice.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Mr Haroon called for ending the matter immediately in accordance with traditions.

He also stressed the need for the federation to protect the federating entities and for devolution and empowerment of the entities at grassroots level. The statement reads as follows:

"Upon my return to Pakistan after prolonged medical treatment in the USA, I was agonised to learn of the terrible and inhuman events in Sui whereupon a lady doctor was brutally assaulted. I strongly condemn this incident and the subsequent delay in meting out justice.

"The brave people of Balochistan as per the traditions of their ancestors have taken serious exception and have rightly taken this desecration on their home soil very personally.

Their nobility and outrage must not be misjudged and wrongfully assessed; rather their feelings must be assuaged and respected and the matter ended immediately as per the old traditions. This is how the respected creators of Pakistan would have treated this matter, with alacrity and respect for the old ways.

"The ensuing events have alarmed the people of Balochistan and erosion of values have threatened their way of life from Sui stretching menacingly towards Gwadar on the Arabian Sea. They will not accept this erosion and may deepen the crisis with their solidarity and resentment.

"Men of words must talk and the federation must protect the federating entities as envisioned in the Objectives Resolution that created our beloved country. The time has come for devolution and empowerment of the entities at grassroots level in the national interest.

Calmer minds must prevail and not allow our country to be engulfed with the scorching winds of war in this region. Transparency of deeds and words must restore the peace and the drums of war silenced with persuasion. "Do not be lulled into bravado, our beloved country may not weather another such storm without irrevocable damage. Let wiser counsels prevail."