QUETTA: Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, during his visit to Quetta on Thursday, emphasised the need for participation of all political parties in the upcoming elections in a meeting held with the provincial leadership of Balochistan.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Kayani met with provincial Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan Nawab Ghous Baksh Barozai and assured them that the Army would whole-heartedly welcome an all 'inclusive elections' in May.

Topic discussed during the meetings included the security situation in the province and smooth conduct of upcoming general elections.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Muhammad Alam Khattak, Commander of the Southern Command, briefed the COAS regarding security situation and development projects being undertaken by the Army in Balochistan.

Army authorities had assured all possible support to ECP, during the Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan's visit to the General Headquarters in Rawalpind earlier in March, to ensure peaceful environment for the elections.