The situation in Balochistan could further deteriorate if the government didn't fulfill nationalists' demands, warned prominent political figures from the violence-hit province on Monday amid continuous reports of attacks on official installations at Sui oil field and other areas. "The time is running out. Nobody, not even the government and the generals, would be able to control public resistance, if authorities did not pay proper attention to genuine demands of nationalists," Balochistan Nationalist Party (BNP) Senator Sanaullah Bloch said at a seminar here.

He accused the government of "closing the doors of negotiations" for a peaceful settlement of disputed issues between the Centre and Baloch nationalists.

"By giving go ahead signal to a military operation against its own people (Balochis), the government has left no room for talks. The situation is out of control now," Sanaullah said in an attempt to support his claim.

Now the only solution of the problem, which could restore normalcy in the province, was that the government must take some 'serious decisions' keeping in view the demands of the nationalists, he claimed.

"If the government is really sincere in its claim to promote economic activities in the provinces, it must hand over powers to the federating units," the Senator said.

He dispelled the notion that the Baloch tribal leaders (sardars) were against development in the province, saying these kinds of 'controversies' were aired to defame them.

Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) Senator, Amanullah Kunrarhi on the occasion said that the country could suffer an 'unbearable' loss, if the military continued to interfere in the civilian affairs.

He warned the federal government could face a 'beyond imagination' resistance if it did not stop what he termed an ongoing military operation against Baloch nationalists.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005