Unrest in Balochistan: Restoring peace top priority, says Zehri

CM winds up budget debate in Balochistan Assembly

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri on Saturday said his government was giving top priority to restoring peace and fighting back all acts of terrorism with full force.

Winding up debate on the annual budget on the floor of the Balochistan Assembly, the chief minister said law and order had improved markedly. He said his government would not bow down before terrorists and vowed “to fight back to defeat the forces of terror.”



“We will not be blackmailed,” Zehri told the house with a firm voice. He said the provincial government would not allow negative forces to gain ground in any field and “we will frustrate their evil designs,” adding that the government is ready to pay any cost for restoring public order.

Zehri thanked the opposition for ending their boycott and participating in the budget debate extensively. The chief minister said he was committed to take along all forces, including the opposition, during the remaining tenure of his government in a spirit reconciliation and democracy.

He said when he took over, there was a sense of insecurity in the province. “However, gradually we have brought the situation under complete control.” “Target killings have been eliminated,” the chief minister informed the house with confidence. He said there were some incidents here and there, but they had no impact on the overall law and order situation.



Referring to the provincial budget, Zehri said his government had presented a best and balanced budget. “We prepared the budget while remaining within out limited resources,” he added.

Referring to rural development, the chief minister said the government had allocated Rs1 billion each to all divisional headquarters for uplift and the district headquarters were given Rs200 million each for development and improving basic services and facilities.

He expressed serious concern over the rising cost of administration or non-development expenditure, listing some of the major expenses on the non-development sector.

Malik demands Rs500b for Balochistan

Former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, terming the annual budget good, urged the federal government to announce a Rs500 billion special package for speedy economic development of the province.

Speaking on the floor of the provincial assembly during the budget discussion, the National Party’s parliamentary leader applauded Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and his team for presenting a good budget.

“Balochistan has a share of Rs40-50 billion in the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) that is not enough for its economic growth. They should announce a Rs500 billion package for Balochistan,” Dr Malik said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2016.