Gilani urges extremists to renounce violence; hold talks

QUETTA : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday reiterating his offer of talks to those who lay down their arms and renounce violence said government would not tolerate extremism and terrorism at any cost.Addressing the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his first visit to the provincial metropolis, the Prime Minister said terrorism was a serious threat to peace, security and stability of the country and the region.
“I appeal to all extremists to renounce violence and be a part of the democratic process. We are ready to talk to all those who wish to leave this path,” the Prime Minister added.
He said under a democratic setup all issues can be resolved through political and administrative measures and there was no need for resorting to violence.
Prime Minister Gilani said the government has stopped the military operation in parts of Balochistan and said a comprehensive strategy was being devised to resolve the matters.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was an agricultural country and all efforts were underway to meet country’s food needs.
He said of the 25,000 tube wells in Balochistan around 15600 are getting 90 percent subsidy costing Rs 6.6 billion. Of this, he said, Rs 2 billion were being paid by the federal government, Rs 2 billion by provincial government and Rs 2.6 billion by Wapda.
He said it was not possible to provide 100 per cent subsidy as the country was already facing a serious electricity crisis and any such subsidy in one province will create disharmony among people and other members of federation.
He said the government was working on a plan to pave water courses at a cost of Rs 60 billion that would help it preserve precious water and irrigate uncultivated areas.
The Prime Minister said there was a growing trend of organic agro products across the world and there was a need to utilise modern methods to cut the use of fertilisers and grow organic crops.
He said fertilizer and DAP were already been provided on subsidised rates and efforts are underway to avoid any increase.
Gilani also pointed at the need of improving the vast open tracts of the province to rear lamb and sheep and added that initially a target of providing 100,000 farm animals for Saudi Arabia was being pursued.
He assured that the issue of loans to the farmers from Balochistan will be reviewed and a decision taken on it.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan will purchase 1100 MW of electricity from Iran to help it meets its energy needs. He said a DG Khan-Loralai 220 KV transmission line and grid station has already been approved besides a Gwadar-Makran 220 KV line and grid station was under construction.
He directed the provincial government to immediately provide electricity connection to the Gwadar Industrial Estate, while feasibility was underway to link Lasbella. He said three projects for providing alternative energy were already underway.
He said 100 acres have been provided for the Bostan Industrial area, while 50 acres will be provided for the one in Loralai.
About the provision of natural gas, he said, a comprehensive plan was being pursued in this regard. He also pointed that the National Highway Authority was working on 16 projects at the cost of Rs 9.7 billion.
He said the finance ministry will look into the proposal of limiting interest rates from Banks to 12-13 per cent for industries and 10 per cent for agriculture sector, in light of the prevalent practice internationally.