QUETTA: The Governor of Baluchistan, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan, has expressed hope that that hostile elements would favourably respond to Prime Minister Z.A. Bhutto`s call, and surrender within the stipulated period of two and a half months. The response from the handful of hostiles in the hills of the Jhalawan and Marri areas ... would certainly help create a peaceful atmosphere in the province.

The Provincial Governor, who was addressing a Press conference in Quetta this morning [Aug 3], hailed the general amnesty promised by the Prime Minister. ... He said that it would be in their own interest to avail of this opportunity. Mir Ahmed Yar Khan said there were only 800 terrorists 500 in Jhalawan and 300 in Marri areas who were engaged in hostile activities. If the Government wanted ... they could be eliminated in a few days` time. But the Government wanted these elements to mend their ways. ... He said the security forces had strict orders only to fire in self-defence. ... The Baluchistan Governor said that the Prime Minister keenly desired healthy evolution and development of democracy in the province so that people could ...

contribute ... for the country`s overall progress. Staff correspondent