DERA BUGTI: Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Friday said, “Pakistan Army is playing a constructive role in the socio-economic development of Balochistan”, Geo News reported.

Addressing the cadets in Sui Military College‚ the Army Chief said there is no military operation anywhere in the province. Not a single soldier is involved in maintaining law and order situation in the Balochistan province, he said.

He said over 20‚000 Baloch students are enrolled in Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps run educational institutions including cadet schools‚ medical colleges‚ mining institutes and others.

He said Frontier Corps (FC) and police are dealing with all security related matters in consultation with Balochistan government.

Talking about mining institutes‚ the Army Chief wished for Baloch people to hold important positions in these institutions‚ instead of working as a laborer. He said during the past three years‚ Baloch representation in army has been raised from 1.7 percent to 3.5 percent. He said Pakistan Army has recruited over 12‚000 soldiers from Balochistan.

General Kayani said 760 Baloch officers are actively playing their role in Pakistan Army. He said for a national army‚ all provinces must be given their due representation.

He urged unity among Baloch tribes for the sake of development in the province and said if tribes establish peace among themselves‚ resources of Balochistan can be utilized in best public interest.

General Kayani also assured Pakistan Army’s full cooperation in the construction of Gwadar-Ratto Dero highway and Balochistan canal.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, in his speech appealed to the people of Balochistan to unite for the welfare and development of Pakistan. He said the people of Balochistan are attached to Pakistan and will play their role. He also called for promotion of education in the province.