Quetta, Jan. 5 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said that resolution of the Balochistan issue is interlinked with the punishment for the murderers of Baloch leader Akbar Bugti and the immediate “release” of all missing citizens.

The Daily Times quoted Sharif as saying that Pervez Musharraf had killed Nawab Bugti “out of personal grudge and frustration… otherwise Bugti was a patriotic Pakistani who adhered to the constitution of Pakistan throughout his life”.

During his first visit to Balochistan in twelve years, Sharif praised Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s efforts to resolve the Balochistan dispute through a comprehensive economic and administrative package.

“This is the time for practical measures to regain the confidence and trust of the Baloch. We are willing to approach all Baloch leaders to bring them into the national mainstream,” he said.

Sharif said Balochistan needed social, political and economic justice.

“Not only have people from Balochistan gone missing, but also from other provinces. All these people should be found without any further delay,” he said. (ANI)