Pakistan PM Raja Pervez Ashraf sacks Balochistan government after Shia protests

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Yielding to protests over the killing of nearly 100 Shias in Quetta, Pakistan Premier Raja Pervez Ashraf today sacked Balochistan government and imposed Governor's Rule in the troubled southwestern province.

Following a major terror attack on their neighbourhood on Thursday, thousands of Shia Muslims had refused to bury their dead until the Balochistan government was dismissed and the army given control of Quetta, the provincial capital.

Accepting their demand, the Pakistan government today dismissed the PPP-led coalition government for failing to protect the minority community.

President Asif Ali Zardari issued a formal proclamation in this evening which said that a report from the Governor had made it clear that the government of Balochistan "cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution".

Following the order, the protesting Shias who had picketed on the streets of the Balochistan capital with bodies of the victims, ended their four-day sit in protest and started burying those who had died in the bomb attacks.

The Presidential order said Chief Minister Aslam Raisani and other ministers of Balochistan would "forthwith cease to hold their respective offices" and all powers and functions would be exercised by Governor Zulfiqar Magsi.

The order further said Governor's Rule would remain in force for two months.

Prime Minister Ashraf announced the federal government's decision at 1.30 am during a meeting with Shia leaders at Alamdar Road, the Shia-dominated neighbourhood where 98 people were killed and over 120 injured in bomb attacks on Thursday.

"After all consultations, we have decided to invoke Article 234 of the Constitution in Balochistan and this gives the power for Governor's Rule... The Governor will be the chief executive and the provincial government has been dismissed," the Prime Minister said, prompting cheers from Shia leaders.