Trip to Awaran: Baloch militants urged to shun path of violence

Nawaz promises to make quake-hit Awaran a ‘model town’.


Shezad Baloch November 08, 2013
The prime minister is greeted by the Balochistan CM upon his arrival at the Army relief camp in Awaran. PHOTO: APP

QUETTA:


Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appealed to Baloch separatists to renounce violence, join the national mainstream and play their role in putting the country on the road to peace and prosperity.


“I appeal to the people who opted for the wrong path, please leave this path. Lay down your weapons because fighting leads to nowhere. Help the government eliminate terrorism and bring development and economic stability,” he said referring to, but without naming, Baloch separatists.

“We’ve no enmity nor do we believe in vendetta. You people are our brothers, our children. Come and join hands with the government for the economic good of your country,” said the prime minister who visited the earthquake-hit Awaran district of Balochistan on Friday.

On the occasion, he announced monetary compensation for all those affected by the September 24 temblor: Rs500,000 for each family that lost a member and Rs150,000 for each injured. Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Commandant Southern Command Lt Gen Naseer Janjua and other officials accompanied the prime minister.

The prime minister announced that his government would rebuild the quake-ravaged Awaran and turn it into a ‘model town’ and provide all basic facilities.

“The government will electrify Awaran with solar power to ensure 24 hours uninterrupted supplies, and build dams to meet the need of water and irrigate the area. My government will make Awaran a ‘model district’ at par with Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore,” he added. He also promised to improve the communication infrastructure by laying new roads.



Currently, electricity is available for a couple of hours in Awaran and other remote areas of Balochistan while the road infrastructure is in a shambles.

On international aid, the prime minister said that his government has refused foreign help for the rehabilitation of quake survivors. “We don’t need help from outside. Balochistan government is mine. It’s our shared responsibility,” he added. Federal and provincial governments will work together to rebuild Awaran.”

Earlier, the provincial administration requested the federal government in a letter to allow international aid into Awaran as Balochistan was not capable of rehabilitating the survivors on its own.

The prime minister lauded the rescue and relief efforts carried out by Pakistan Army.

The provincial chief minister thanked the premier for his announcements. “I appeal to the people of Awaran to not leave the district where their ancestors are buried. The government will provide jobs and other facilities,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2013.

COMMENTS (4)

Humayun | 10 years ago | Reply

I look forward to realization of yet another commitment by PM ? Are there any time lines ?

Ozair | 10 years ago | Reply

U will make awaran model town just like you made the bullet train right Mr PM ?

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