QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Thursday refuted the statement of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in relation to the appointment of Arsalan Iftikhar, son of former Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

"Iftikhar Chaudhry had never contacted me for the appointment of his son,” he told reporters after an Independence Day function at Governor House Quetta.

He reiterated that he had appointed Arsalan in the "interest of Balochistan", dispelling the impression that the country’s former top judge had requested him to do so.

The chief minister stated that Iftikhar Chaudhry was from Balochistan province and had rendered his services to promote democracy in the country and safeguard the country’s constitution.

When asked about Imran Khan's Azadi March, the chief minister stated that the PTI chief should understand the sacrifices the political leadership has rendered for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

"We will resist any move against democracy," Dr Baloch said. The chief minister said that the democratic system guaranteed stability and development in the country and for that purpose all political forces were united to safeguard the system.

The chief minister also stated that Balochistan’s law and order situation was improving following steps taken by civilian and military law enforcement agencies.

"Now anyone can easily travel within Quetta,” he said.