Gilani links Balochistan prosperity with peace

QUETTA: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the prosperity of Balochistan was linked to peace and asked the militants to shun violence and work for the progress of Pakistan.

"Choose the path of peace, as this is the only way for the progress of people of Balochistan and Pakistan," the Prime Minister said while addressing the passing out parade of the recruits of the Pakistan Army belonging to Balochistan.

"The agenda of these terrorists and extremists is certainly against Pakistan," Gilani said and urged them to shun this path.

The Prime Minister said those who opt not to heed to this advise must understand that they might delay progress and prosperity of the people of Balochistan, but they cannot deprive the people from development for long.

The event was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and senior civil and military officials.

Prime Minister earlier reviewed the guard of honour. The young recruits presented him salute and the national anthem was played.

The recruits also exhibited their prowess in anti-terrorist skills and demonstrated ways to neutralise militants.

In his address to the recruits, Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was passing through a critical juncture and regretted that some people had chosen the path of terrorism, which was bringing a bad name to the country.

Prime Minister Gilani paid rich tributes to the country's armed forces for their sacrifices to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism.

He said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan stand united to eliminate extremism and terrorism and to bring prosperity and development to the country.

The Prime Minister also lauded the Baloch youth for standing shoulder to shoulder with their brethren from the rest of the country to safeguard country's sovereignty and integrity.

He said the government had planned to provide jobs to 20,000 youth from Balochistan and appreciated General Kayani and Commander of the Southern Command Lt General Javed Zia for ensuring best possible training to bring the youth from the area into the national mainstream.

"I am sure these youth will bring honour and dignity to the country's armed forces and Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011