Zehri meets Khan of Kalat in London

Published August 15, 2015
As part of reconciliation policy, the two leaders discussed the return of Khan of Kalat. -Photo provided by author
As part of reconciliation policy, the two leaders discussed the return of Khan of Kalat. -Photo provided by author

QUETTA: Chief of Jhalawan and Senior Balochistan Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has met the exiled Baloch leader Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Daud Khan in London on Saturday.

As part of reconciliation policy announced by the present government, the two leaders discussed the return of Khan of Kalat and other important issues related to Balochistan.

“Nawab Zehri has met the Khan of Kalat in London and will hold a discussion for his return to the country,” said an office bearer of PML-N.

Read: Will approach Grand Baloch Jirga for Khan of Kalat's return: CM Balochistan

Earlier in August, Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch, while talking to DawnNews had confirmed that his government will request members of the 'Grand Baloch Jirga' to make a formal appeal for Khan of Kalat’s return.

“We believe in dialogue, and all channels are being used to find a negotiated settlement for the issues facing the province,” said Baloch earlier.

The chief minister also stated that many militants had surrendered their weapons and joined the political process, which is an encouraging sign for the province.

Earlier, Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood told a Baloch delegation that only the 'Grand Baloch Jirga' which had sent him abroad has the mandate and power to make a decision regarding his return.

The delegation had informed the Khan of Kalat that a gulf had formed owing to his prolonged absence from the political and tribal arena of Balochistan.

Almost all members of delegation sent earlier belonged to Mastung, Quetta and Kalat districts, and have personal relations with the self-exiled Baloch leader.

The delegation held a comprehensive meeting with Dawood but failed to convince him to return to the country.

Read more: Only 'Grand Baloch Jirga' has mandate to decide my return: Khan of Kalat

The last grand Baloch jirga was held after a gap of 103 years in September 2006. It was convened by the Khan of Kalat and was held in Kalat. Tribal leaders and elders from Balochistan were invited to the jirga, which discussed the situation in the province with special reference to the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

The jirga was attended by Nawab Aslam Raisani, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and other notable elders and tribal leaders from Balochistan.

The British government has, since then, provided political asylum to Mir Suleman Dawood, who has been living in London.

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