ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Wednesday resumed its session with a discussion on a motion moved by Leader of the House Jahangir Badar regarding the prevailing law and order situation in Balochistan.

Initiating the debate, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri said the Balochistan issue can be resolved by direct negotiations with the Baloch people and removing their sense of deprivation.

He said the problems of Balochistan have a political and constitutional background that needs to be addressed with serious efforts at proper forum.

Suriya Amiruddin said that Balochistan was facing a number of problems including kidnapping for ransom, shortage of water, unemployment and law and order.

She said that the government had taken a number of measures to uplift the living standard of the people of the province.

Sardar Fateh Muhammad Hassani said that the discussion on Balochistan is an important initiative and all the members from both sides of the divide must seriously give their suggestions to resolve the issue.

He proposed that the Prime Minister should also be invited to participate in the proceedings regarding the important issue.

Ilyas Ahmad Bilour said there is dire need of taking practical steps for resolving the problems faced by Baloch people rather than making mere announcements.

Hafiz Hamdullah Saboor said that Balochistan province has a great strategic importance and is a security and trade hub. He said some foreign forces want to destabilize the peace of the province for their own vested interests.

PML-N, ANP and JUI stage walkout

Meanwhile, members belonging to Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Jamiat-Ulema Islam (JUI) staged a token walkout from the Senate.

The walkout was staged as the House started its discussion on the law and order situation in Balochistan.

The parties expressed concerns over the absence of Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik in the House and staged a token walk out of the proceedings.