Pak PM Ashraf warns of 'ripple effect' of unrest in Balochistan

Islamabad, July 18 (ANI): The Pakistani prime minister, pointing to the debilitating tribal insurgency in Balochistan, has issued an ominous warning: if the 'unrest in small pockets' is not quelled immediately, it might seep into other areas.

However, in an effort to play down the insurgency, premier Raja Pervez Ashraf said the unrest in 'small pockets' could hardly be equated with an insurgency, reports The Express Tribune.

Ashraf vowed to eliminate a 'handful of elements' that were destabilising Balochistan, adding that his government would do everything to restore peace in the volatile province.

He renewed calls for disgruntled Baloch leaders to renounce violence and opt for negotiations.

"The entire Pakistan is yours. Come and talk to your own government. You will not be disappointed. The people of Pakistan will go an extra mile to redress the grievances of the people of Balochistan," he said, addressing Baloch leaders.

Some Baloch leaders - including Barhamdagh Bugti and Hyrbyair Marri who are living in exile in Europe - have rebuffed repeated dialogue offers from the Pakistani government.

Ashraf, however, made it clear that his offer was not for those who wanted to destabilise the country.

He described the unrest in Balochistan as 'foreign abetted' and urged 'a few angry Baloch youngsters' not to fall prey to the intrigues hatched by the detractors of Pakistan.

The situation should be seen in its true perspective keeping in view its internal and external linkages, he said.

Ashraf, however, lauded the army and the paramilitary Frontier Corps for 'promoting and protecting national interests in Balochistan'. The Frontier Corps has repeatedly been criticised by the Supreme Court for the enforced disappearance of Baloch political workers. (ANI)