President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the imperative of resolving the longstanding issues in Balochistan through political negotiations.

In a recent address at a dinner hosted by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the president asserted that the development and prosperity of the province stand as paramount priorities for the current government, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring the stability of Pakistan.

Citing Balochistan's significant mineral resources and extensive coastline, President Zardari underscored the need to harness these resources effectively for the province's advancement.

He pledged the government's commitment to facilitating this development, citing the passage of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment during his tenure as a vital step towards empowering provinces and fostering national progress.

Emphasising the urgency of modernizing the extraction of Balochistan's mineral wealth, President Zardari highlighted the untapped potential of the province's oil and gas reserves.

He stressed the importance of aligning the exploitation of natural resources with contemporary practices to meet the economic needs of the country effectively.

Furthermore, President Zardari reiterated the government's dedication to supporting vulnerable segments of society through initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program.

He expressed his intent to expand such programs to provide greater assistance to low-income families, reaffirming his commitment to fostering inclusive development across the nation.

Mr Zardari also in a concluding note vowed his continued efforts towards the comprehensive development of Balochistan, emphasizing collaboration with the provincial government to create opportunities and uplift the local populace.