Government in-touch with Bramdagh Bugti, claims Prime Minister Gillani

The Baloch Hal

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has disclosed that the government was in contact with Baloch separatist leader Nawabzada Bramdagh Bugti and considering offering general amnesty in conflict-stricken province of Balochistan to bring peace to Balochistan.

Addressing the media after the 8th convention of Government College University on Saturday, Gillani said the government was sincerely considering to announce general amnesty in Balochistan for all the leaders in order to reconcile with disillusioned Baloch leaders. The government has already decided to withdraw cases against 89 such leaders who had been implicated in insignificant cases. Now, the idea of offering amnesty to those who committed serious crimes was also under consideration. He claimed that the government was in touch with Nawabzada Bramadgh Bugti, a grandson of late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and the chief of Baloch Republican Party (BRP).

While the government had made several similar claims in the past, Bramdagh had always rejected them by billing such statements as propaganda to demoralize his supporters.

The Prime Minister said Balochistan’s sense of deprivation had ended after the announcement of the Balochistan package which was unveiled in a joint session of the parliament.

“The government has announced to give jobs to every graduate in Balochistan,” he said.

Gillani said the government was willing to negotiate with all Baloch leaders. “Balochs are our brothers and many of our friends are already in touch with them… we are sincerely thinking of offering amnesty in Balochistan,” he stated.