Cost of governance in Balochistan has increased: Gilani told

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday said the government is ready for political dialogue with the estranged leaders of Balochistan in the larger national interest. Speaking during a briefing here on security situation in Balochistan the Prime Minister appreciated efforts of the Balochistan government to improve law and order situation in the province.
The Prime Minister was given briefing by Interior Minister, Provincial Finance Minister, Chief Secretary Balochistan and Secretary Interior.
Gilani stressed the need for enhancing co-ordination among the federal and provincial law enforcement agencies.
He said that sharing of information among federal and provincial departments should be further strengthened.
Gilani assured of all possible assistance to the provincial government to improve the law and order situation. He said the federal law enforcement agencies will undertake training of provincial police and levies.
The federal government and the Interior Ministry will spend Rs one billion each to modernise and equip provincial law enforcement agencies with weapons and provide them transport, he said adding, "We will work together for ensuring peace and security."
He said cross border movement of Afghan refugees should be checked.
During the briefing, the Prime Minister was told that due to various reasons cost of governance in the province has increased.
Gilani said progress on the issue of missing persons is quite satisfactory, however, more efforts should be made for finding the remaining 38 persons.
The Prime Minister was told that out of a total of 144 missing persons, 41 returned to their homes while false cases against 38 were withdrawn, while many other persons have been located.
The Prime Minister pointed that after approval of the 7th National Finance Commission award, major development work will be undertaken by the provinces.
However, the federal government is ready to work with the provincial governments on selected joint projects, he said adding the development projects will be completed on time to bring economic benefits to the people. He informed that next meeting of the federal cabinet will be held in Balochistan to ponder over the political and security situation in the province.
Gilani said the federal and provincial governments will contribute Rs 4 billion and Rs 3 billion respectively as subsidy for running of tubewells to irrigate land in Balochistan .
The project of Gwadar-Ratodero highway will help in utilising the potential of Gwadar port, he added. Interior Minister A Rehman Malik told the meeting that the law of evidence will be strengthened.