ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said Friday the government was taking solid steps to ensure peace in Balochistan.

Talking to media representatives outside the parliament, the minister said on the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari he would be visiting Quetta every week to improve the law and order situation by tackling the abductors in a more vigorous manner.

He said anit-Pakistan elements were attacking the Shia community under a conspiracy but, he added, these elements would be dealt with an iron hand.

He said a result of effective measures was that target killings in Balochistan had decreased and added that the government would soon overcome these incidents.

Replying to a question about imposing governor rule in Balochistan, the minister said that although he respected the sentiments of the people of Balochistan, the government would take steps according to the Constitution.

He said security had been reinforced in areas housing the Shia community and the pilgrims were being escorted and facilitated.