QUETTA, Feb 1: The Balochistan Chief Minister, Mr Jam Yousuf, has said that the Sui gas royalty and other related issues would be resolved through negotiations and mutual consultation.

Talking to newsmen after the oath-taking ceremony of the new governor here on Saturday, the chief minister said: “We are in touch with Nawab Akbar Bugti and positive steps would be taken towards this issue taking Nawab Akbar Bugti into confidence.”

He said that in future all gas companies would have to take the provincial government into confidence regarding exploration agreements so that the government was aware of the nature of their accords.

Mr Jam Yousuf said that he had also apprised the federal government about the problems of the area and expressed the hope that all issues relating to the Sui gas conflict would be resolved soon.

He said that personnel of the law enforcement agencies had been deployed along the 45km-long gas pipeline right from Sui up to border with Punjab for its protection.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said that exploration activities in Barkhan, Dhahdar, Kachhi, coastal areas of district Lasbela and Dureji would begin soon.

He said the government would provide full protection to the foreign companies engaged in the oil and gas exploration in Balochistan.

Regarding appointment of new governor, the chief minister said that the change of governor was a part of democracy and revealed that President Musharraf had consulted him before appointing new governor.

About expansion of cabinet, Mr Jam Yousuf said that more ministers would be inducted into the cabinet soon and this time women MPAs would also be given representation.

To a question, he said the next session of the Balochistan Assembly was likely to be convened in the third week of February.