Baloch people want to live with Pakistan: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Advisor Senator Rehman Malik Saturday said the Balochi people want to 'live with Pakistan' and that only those who were acting on foreign dictates were unhappy.

Addressing a press conference here, Rehman Malik said the statement Brahamdagh Bugti was welcome in which the latter said he belonged to a political party and not a militant organization. "His statement shows that he holds a soft corner for Pakistan," he added.

He said the government would send any leader to Brahamdagh Bugti chosen by the latter for holding talks.

The Interior Advisor said the government was ready to sit at the table with Sardar Attaullah Mengal, Akhtar Mengal and other Baloch leaders as well to address their grievances.

He said the number of missing persons in Balochistan stands at 36 and that ruled out a military operation as a possible solution to the province's issue. "Neither any operation is underway in Balochistan nor is there any need for one," he claimed, adding however that targeted action would certainly be taken where there is need.