“Hidden hands” trying to derail democracy: Federal Minister

The Baloch Hal News

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab  Alamgir Khan Thursday evening said hidden hands were involved in hatching conspiracies to derail democracy in the country once again.

Addressing a crowded news conference along with Provincial  Information Minister Yunas Mullazi at the National Highway Authority headquarters Quetta here, he said some hidden elements wanted to derail democracy in the country to meet their nefarious designs.

When asked about pinpointing such elements, he said he could  not mention name of any specific force or institution in the press conference.

He said midterm elections are not solution to the issues.  Holding of elections after every five years would create environment for emerging of genuine leadership. In the interest of the country and nation, the incumbent government would complete its tenure and anti-democratic forces should avoid hatching conspiracies.  He recalled the Pakistan Peoples Party and other political  parities had rendered sacrifices for restoration of democracy and public welfare. Only democracy is solution to all problems. Stability in the country is must to strengthen democratic system, he added.

He opined that unfortunately, democracy was not allowed to be  flourished in the country during last 62 years. He added the government would not allow anti-democracy elements to promote confrontation amongst political parties and institutions.

He mentioned the incumbent government had to face terrorism and  other problems when it came in power. He maintained that although terrorism could not be curbed completely, however, the present government had crushed most of terrorists successfully. He added that credit went to the government and forces to succeed during operation against militants in North and South Wazirstan and Malakand.

He said for flourishing of the democracy, the PPP led coalition  government would continue policy of reconciliation.

To a question, he said NHA was supervising worth Rs 250 billion  ongoing road projects all over the country. He maintained the NHA only controlled 11900 km roads of total 290000 km roads in the country.

He said in Balochistan, Rs 83 billion were being incurred on  ongoing road projects. He recalled that he had requested Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to ensure release of funds for Ratodero-Gwadar road project, adding after completion, this project would boost the national economy.

He said portion of 120 km of total 240 km Quetta-Kalat highway  project had been completed, adding remaining portion would also be completed soon. He added that NHA projects were facing delay in Balochistan due to deteriorating law and order situation.

He said he had submitted summery of contract employees of NHA  to the Prime

Minister Office, adding soon after issuance of executive order, all contract NHA employees would be regularized.