GWADAR: President Asif AliZardari has called for enhancing the capacity of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs), posting competent officers in Balochistan, and improving the prosecution mechanism to effectively counter terrorist elements in the province.

The president expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the security and law and order situation in Balochistan on Thursday.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, MNA Malik Shah Gorgaij, Home Minister Ziaullah Langove, MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman and senior civil and military officials attended the meeting.

President Zardari was briefed about the overall security situation of the province as well as the role of LEAs in countering terrorist attacks in various districts.

The meeting was informed that the initiatives taken by LEAs had resulted in improved the security situation in the province.

The president appreciated efforts of the provincial government as well as the sacrifices of LEAs in combatting terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, the president said that the prosecution system needed to be improved so that terrorists could not escape justice.

He said that compensation for the families ofmartyrs of LEAs should be enhanced bringing it on a par with the rest of the provinces.

Mr Zardari said that competent and brave police officials needed to be posted in the province as it would help improve law and order situation of the province.

He also called for taking effective measures to ensure safetyandsecurity of Zaireen.

Underlining the need to improve the socio-economic condition of Balochistan, the president called for focusing on the skill development of its people and producing more skilled professionals.

Mr Zardari also called for promoting the fishing industry of Balochistan by providing financing and equipment to local fishermen, apart from promoting sustainable fishing practices and checking the production of illegal fishing nets.

During the meeting, the president said that political dialogue was the wayforward to bring prosperity, development and peace to Balochistan.

Balochistan chief minister thanked the president for visiting Gwadar, saying that it would give the people of Balochistan a sense of ownership as well as strengthen the resolve of law-enforcement agencies to eliminate terrorism.

He underlined the importance of equipping the people residing in border areas of Balochistan with marketable skills to help them find employment in the country and abroad.

He highlighted that all stakeholders needed to make collective efforts to stamp out terrorism, besides evolving a national consensus for the development of Balochistan.

The meeting stressed the need for completing the Kachhi Canal project to fulfil the food requirements of the province.

Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report