PM in Quetta as victims’ families await justice

QUETTA: With the bodies of their loved ones besides them, the Hazara community continues its protest against the devastating bombings of Thursday and sectarian violence.

Protesters who have braved freezing cold temperatures for the last three days have called on the government to summon the army to Quetta as the provincial government has failed to protect them.

Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has arrived in Quetta and has been requested to dissolve the provincial government by PPP Balochistan President Sadiq Umrani. Meanwhile during a briefing, the prime minister was informed by the Advocate General that that the army could be summoned to Balochistan under article 245 of the constitution.

Prime Minister Ashraf also discussed various options available to tackle the situation in the province during a telephone conversation with Law Minister Farooq Naek.

During his stay in Quetta, Prime Minister Ashraf is also expected to meet representatives of the Hazara community.

The head of the Hazara Qabila (tribe) Sardar Sadat Hazara says that a key decision regarding the sit-in is expected soon. Sardar Sadat has called upon the President, Prime Minister and Army Chief to take notice of the situation in Quetta.

At least 100 people were killed on Thursday in twin suicide attacks in an area which is dominated by the Hazara community in Quetta. The tragedy has led to protests in several cities of the country against the ongoing wave of sectarian violence.

APP ADDS: A meeting between Prime Minister Ashraf and Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi was held at Governor House on Sunday.

Governor Balochistan apprised the Prime Minister of the current law and order situation in Balochistan, especially Quetta.

They also discussed issues relating to life loss in three bomb blasts on Thursday, sectarian killings and terrorism during the meeting.The two leaders decided to take solid measures to
normalize the situation and further improve law and order in the province.

Federal Miniser for Information and Broadcastign Qamar Zaman Kaira and Federal Minister for Postal Services Sardar Omar Gorgaij were also present on the occasion.