ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik Thursday suggested a committee comprising senators to look into the law and order situation in Balochistan, saying that it was the time Senate should exercise its powers.

Responding to a motion moved by Senator Hasil Bazenjo, Malik said it is unfortunate that 45 people have been killed in the recent past and observed that only those people have been killed who hoisted Pakistan's flag and recited national anthem.

He said the committee should summon the commissioner Khuzdar and other authorities concerned and should assure strict action against them if found incompetent.

He suggested the chair to form the committee headed by Hasil Bazenjo and offered to become member of it to assist the body.

“Time has come when Senate should exercise its power,” Malik commented.

Earlier, Bazenjo said 45 people have been killed in last 67 days in Khuzdar city that has been closed for all social activities owing to law and order situation.

He said as markets were closed, people were buying ration from periphery, adding the people are being killed regardless of their political or ethnic association.

He said for last 22 days, Press Club Khuzdar is also closed as media representatives have stopped reporting and around 5000 daily wagers were desperate for their sustenance.

Bazenjo said as a last resort, people of the city have recently offered collective prayer.

He suggested the interior minister to carry out a high level probe and said the matter should not be left up to the provincial administration otherwise the situation would turn worse.

Senator Raza Rabbani gave five-point suggestions including true implementation of Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan and devise mechanism for equal sharing of minerals under 18th amendment.

He suggested the FC should be kept under the purview of provincial administration and work out an acceptable solution for missing persons’ issue and table the recommendations of the cabinet committee on Balochistan.

Senator Haji Adeel suggested general amenity for the estranged people of Balochistan as they had been staying there out of desperation.

He said no one including Balochs, Pakhtuns or Sindhis are safe in the province and some elements were poised to mar the peace in the region.