Extremism a serious threat to peace in Balochistan: Dr Malik
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Malik Baloch has termed extremism as a major threat to peace in the province.
"Extremism is now deep-rooted in Balochistan," the chief minister told a seminar at the Quetta Press Club on Tuesday.
Senior journalists, human rights activists, intellectuals from across the country participated in the seminar to discuss provincial autonomy and the 18th Amendment and its implications.
The chief minister also said that extremism was posing a serious threat to development in Balochistan, which has been plagued by violence carried out by Baloch separatists along with growing sectarianism.
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"This extremism is not on the surface rather is it is deep rooted," he added.
Dr Baloch stated that extremism in Baloch dominated areas of the province in particular was of serious concern.
"If we nationalists failed to deliver, I foresee more problems," the chief minister predicted.
Regarding the 18th Amendment, he said that despite pressure from Baloch nationalists groups, his party i.e. National Party (NP) opted to be part of the committee framing the new amendment to empower the provinces. He said the amendment offers a solution to provincial autonomy.
About NP, he clarified that his party believes in politics within the parameters and Constitution of Pakistan.
"Even our critics in Baloch society quietly now support our policy," he said.
The chief minister however reiterated that democracy offers solution to all ills of the country and that the political forces must bury their differences to protect the system.
"If democracy fails then there will be dictatorship, if it also fails then there will be Talibanisation," Dr. Baloch warned.
Well-known Human Rights Activists, I.A Rehman, senior columnist Ayaz Amir, senior journalist Imtiaz Alam, democracy and human rights activist Zafarullah Khan, President Quetta Press Club, Raza ur Rehman and others also spoke at length at the seminar about the 18th Amendment and provincial autonomy.