Babar Awan, in response to a question, stated that the option to convene a joint session of parliament on Balochistan was very much on the agenda. -File Photo

LAHORE: PPP Vice-President Babar Awan said on Tuesday the government had taken positive steps to bring Balochistan at par with other provinces and convening of a joint Parliament session on the problems was also under consideration.

Talking to media persons outside the Punjab Assembly, he said that with the consultation of all stakeholders, the government would succeed in removing the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

“Since its inception, the government has undertaken positive initiatives. The Pakistan Peoples Party government in this regard has provided Rs 85 billion through National Finance Commission (NFC) for the development of the province,” he added.

Awan, replying to a question, said the option to convene a joint session of parliament on Balochistan was very much on the cards.

“President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will personally hold talks with the Baloch leaders because no attempt can bear fruit without their participation in the dialogue process,” he said, adding that no compromise would be made on the integrity of the country.

The PPP leader opined that Baloch leader Akbar Bugti's assassination case should be heard on a daily basis.

Accompanied by opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed, Babar Awan, who had come to the assembly to review arrangements for the March 2 Senate elections, said only civil administration was running the affairs of the province.

He said efforts were also afoot to find missing persons.