Press Release

A meeting to discuss the Prime Minister’s Baluchistan reconciliation agenda was called at the PM
secretariat by Mr. Shehzad Arbab, Advisor to the PM on establishment. This meeting was third in the
series held so far to address both political and development concerns of the people of Baluchistan.

The Baluch political leadership was represented by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Senator Jehanzeb
Jamaldini, Minister for Defense Production Ms. Zubaida Jalal, Senator Anwar ul Haq Kakar, MNA Mr.
Shazain Bugti, MNA Agha Hasan and few others. While the Government was represented by Defense
Minister Mr. Pervaiz Khattak, Minister for Planning and Development Mr. Khusro Bhaktiar, Minister
for Power Mr. Omer Ayub and Advisor to PM on establishment, Mr. Shehzad Arbab.

The Baluch leadership presented their concerns pertaining both political and development matters
of the province which were discussed at length. The government side was very positive and re-
affirmed the commitment of the Prime Minister to resolve all issues discussed in the meeting.

On the issue of missing persons both sides agreed that the issue is of grave importance for
normalization of peace and continuation of development in the province. It was decided that a high
level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister with all relevant stakeholders represented will be called
immediately after the return of Prime Minister from China in early November.

Discussing the reduction in PSDP projects for Baluchistan the Minister for Planning and Development
made it clear that due to little or no fiscal space, several projects were originally removed. However,
a number of small dams and at least one medium sized dam will be made part of the PSDP for
Baluchistan. On the issue of weak social development infrastructure and no efforts to rehabilitate
the education and health infrastructure the Federal government representatives informed that
these are provincial subjects, however, the Federal government will provide as much support as may
be needed to facilitate the provincial government in shouldering its responsibilities. A separate
meeting with the Baluchistan Provincial Government will be held soon to discuss these issues.

It was decided by the participants to identify and assess available and unutilized Federal government
land in Quetta for a cancer hospital, cardiac center and sports complex, which were promised by the
PM in his last visit to Baluchistan.

Concluding discussion on energy crisis in the Baluchistan province both sides agreed to distribute the
Baluchistan grid in 2 to 3 companies to reduce load on Qisco and increase efficiency. The Minister of
Power, Mr. Omer Ayub also presented a proposal for off-grid electrification in the entire province
where supply through grid is not a feasible option due to line losses and weak collection of dues.

Advisor to the Prime Minister on establishment explained the allocation of quota for Baluchistan in
Federal services. He informed the participants that the quota allocation stood at 3.7% in year 2007
and is now hovering at around 4.5%. It was decided to increase this quota to 6% in due course of
time. All future Federal government positions will be advertised in local Baluch papers, application
could be submitted from Baluchistan and hiring on such positions could also take place in
Baluchistan.

Other issues discussed in detailed were the return of Afghan refugees with respect to their
homeland. Resettlement of Bugti tribe in Dera Bugti and design of the coastal expressway in
Gawadar. It was also decided to hold a separate meeting on the issues relating to Gawadar.