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Published 02 Jun, 2013 08:40pm

Balochistan CM-designate vows to resolve missing persons issue

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister-designate Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Sunday said that an independent commission would be established to probe into the murder of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and issue of missing political workers in the province.

Speaking to Dawn.com exclusively soon after being nominated as Balochistan CM by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML N) chief Nawaz Sharif, Baloch said recovery of missing persons was his top priority.

“I would not be a powerless chief minister,” he said, adding that all out efforts would be made to bring back missing persons.

The National Party (NP) chief said that federal government would be approached for the arrest of accused involved in the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti.

He hinted that there would be no “overflowing” cabinet and only limited cabinet members would be announced to lessen the financial burden of Balochistan. “I would not tolerate corruption,” he added.

Dr Baloch said that all displaced Marri and Bugti tribesmen will be rehabilitated in Kohlu and Dera Bugti.

Thousands of Bugti and Marri tribesmen were displaced in the aftermath of military operation during Musharraf regime.

The NP chief said that majority of the people in the province live below the poverty line and vowed to take revolutionary measures to overcome poverty after assuming power.

He said all postings and transfers would be made on merit.

Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said meaningful negotiations will be initiated with disgruntled Baloch brothers for durable peace in the province.

“I believe in dialogue and oppose use of force,” he explained, adding confidence building measures would be adopted to convince the Baloch leaders to come to the negotiating table for political settlement of the Balochistan issue.

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