LAHORE, April 14: Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has said the government is ready to talk to tribal chiefs provided they renounce violence.

He told newsmen after the University of Engineering and Technology’s convocation here on Friday that some tribal chiefs did not want prosperity in the area that was why they were hindering the process.

Ghani said the government could not allow a state within a state. He said the Balochis were being empowered but a few tribal chiefs were opposing these changes for their vested interests.

He said the people of his province were against terrorist acts and wanted development and prosperity in the area. He said situation there was under control but the media was overplaying it.

Mr Ghani said the tribal culture in Balochistan was changing because of education and trade activities. He said of the 113 tehsils in the province the problem was in just three. He said exploration of gas and petroleum was being carried out and a huge foreign investment was pouring in there.

Owais Ghani said the weapons used in the attacks indicated that they were being smuggled into Balochistan and the government was probing the matter.

Commenting on the NFC award, he said the permanent award would be finalised after consensus among the provinces.

Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool said the universities should interact with industries in order to equip their students with latest training and experience.