New NFC formula a step towards provincial autonomy, CM Raisani

By Bari Baloch

QUETTA, Dec 13: Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani has said that consensus over distribution of national resources and ensuring more resources for provinces was a first positive step towards provincial autonomy.

He expressed these views while talking to newsmen at Quetta Airport on Sunday.

Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Asim Kurd Gailo, Sardar Aslam Bezinjo, Muhammad Younus Moullazai and other ministers were also present on this occasion.

Chief Minister said that decade long grievances of Balochistan could not be removed with one stroke of pen and it would take time.

“Our struggle is for the rights of Balochs ,Pashtoons and other people of Balochistan”, he said, adding “increase in the share of Balochistan from 5.1 percent to 9.1 proved that we believe in practical steps not in slogans”.

To a query, he said that after new NFC-Award Balochistan would get Rs 83 billion and would continue efforts to ensure more amount in the share of provinces.

Referring to new social contract, Chief Minister Balochistan said that all provinces were agreed that there should be a new social contract between provinces and the centre.

“We visited Minar-e-Pakistan where we read 1940 resolution which was approved under the chairmanship of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during meeting of All India Muslim League but still it has not been implemented”, he added

He stressed that resolution of 1940 should be implemented and all issues should be solved in accordance with 1940 resolution.

Responding to a query regarding utilization of resources, he said that all funds would be spent for the uplift and development of Balochistan through proper manner and no body would be allowed to misappropriate the funds.

He rejected the criticism of nationalists on NFC Award and said “nationalists don’t like the progress which is being made regarding rights of Balochistan” he said adding if nationalists were in power they would not had any objection on it.

To a query about contacts with disgruntled forces, Nawab Raisani said that he would make contacts with disgruntled Baloch nationalists after announcement of constitutional package.

On a question regarding overt or covert contacts with the disgruntled nationalist forces he said that so far there was no contact with them however he added that if there was any covert contact with them he would not make it public because it would be premature.

He expressed hope that their would be progress regarding contacts with disgruntled nationalists forces.

On a question, he said that they had reservations over the contract regarding Riko Dik Project and had apprised federal government about them. “We have asked the federal government for handing over the control of Riko Dik to Balochistan government so that it could be run for the betterment of people of Balochistan”, he added.

Responding to a question regarding check posts, he said that dismantling of check posts had been started and gradually all check posts would be removed and the salaries of police in Balochistan would also be increased.