Islamabad - President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday called for a jirga, or assembly, of tribal leaders from the restive southern Pakistani province of Balochistan on November 8, Geo television channel reported.

However, the sons of the rebel chief of Bugti tribe, Nawab Akbar Bugti, who was killed in a military crackdown in August, nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal and the Mari tribe chief Nawab Khairbakhsh Mari have not been invited to the gathering.

According to the private news channel, the tribal meeting will review security issues, including the situation developing after the death of Akbar Bugti and the following insurgent activities.

The meeting will also discuss development activities in the mineral-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

Balochistan province witnessed intense military operations after an armed struggle resurfaced in 2004, which gained momentum in 2005, forcing Akbar Bugti to go underground.

On August 26 the veteran Baloch leader was killed inside his cave hideout in the Kohlu area. Bugti's death sparked protests against the government and the armed forces.