KARACHI, Feb 11: Former caretaker prime minister and chairman of the National Peoples Party, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, on Saturday expressed concern over happenings in North Waziristan, Hangu and Balochistan.

Talking to newsmen, Mr Jatoi was appalled by the lack of implementation of the recommendations of the parliamentary committee on Balochistan and emphasized that with each passing day, the situation in the country was becoming critical and posing a threat to its integrity.

He said that the Balochistan stand off could be finished by withdrawal of security forces and laying down of arms by the fighters simultaneously.

With regard to cantonments, Mr Jatoi said he was not opposed to them when needed, but they should not be against the aspirations of the people and a means to provoke them.

On water issue, he told a questioner that there was water shortage and water reservoirs were required but no project should be pursued at the cost of country’s integrity.

He also called for filling in the void of trust between people and the government as soon as possible, not through rhetoric but through practical measures.

Regarding situation in Hangu and North Waziristan, he called upon the religious parties to come forward and forge sectarian harmony.