Governor’s Rule Imposed In Balochistan, Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 15, IRNA – Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf early on Monday announced the imposition of governor’s rule in south western Balochistan province. The prime minister made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of Shiite community in Quetta. Calls for imposition of governor’s rule in Balochistan and handing over the control of Quetta City to the military grew as talks between the Hazara community leaders and government officials have failed to quell a protest that brought thousands onto cold, wet streets for a second night to watch over the bodies of over 100 people killed in one of country’s worst sectarian attacks. “After consultations we have decided that Article 234 (Emergency Provisions) should be invoked in the province,” he said. He further said that Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani and his entire cabinet have been sacked and governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi would be the chief executive of the province from Monday. PM Ashraf expressed hope that as an executive of the province the governor would have the culprits involved in the bomb attacks arrested. He also said that FC has been given all powers of police in the province. The prime minister told the protestors to inform about their problems to governor Balochistan and FC Commander, adding that action would be taken immediately. He assured the protestors that federal government would fully cooperate with the governor. He said that false FIR registered against Shia people would also be withdrawn. Replying a query regarding deployment of army in the province, the prime minister said that army could be called in anytime for civilian administration’s help. Earlier prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf rushed to Quetta on Sunday to meet representatives of Shiite community. It was the worst ever sectarian attack on Shiites, who account for around 20 per cent of Pakistan’s 180 million people and are regularly targeted for attack by extremists. Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also called for dissolution of the Balochistan Assembly and Cabinet. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan demanded immediate resignation from federal and Balochistan governments over their failure to control the law and order situation, besides imposing Governor’s rule in the volatile province. Advisor to Prime Minister on Human Rights Nawaz Khokhar, had also demanded slapping governor’s rule in Balochistan./end