Goodwill gesture: Punjab gives Rs132m for quake-hit Awaran

Balochistan CM praises monetary help for district’s 550 internees

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri has said that inter-provincial coordination would promote national solidarity and strengthen understanding among the people of Pakistan.

While receiving a cheque of Rs132 million from the Punjab chief minister for 550 internees/graduates from the quake-affected Awaran district, the chief minister said Punjab had always come to the rescue of people of Balochistan in all natural calamities and disasters in the past.



Punjab Minister for PDMA Mehr Ejaz and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani presented the cheque and conveyed the goodwill message from Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Scores of graduates from Awaran were present along with provincial ministers and government officials at the ceremony held at the CM Secretariat.

During his visit to Awaran following the devastating earthquake, the Punjab chief minister had pledged to help the government of Balochistan in upgrading the Awaran Hospital, build a park and internship of 550 graduates from Awaran district.



Meanwhile, Zehri said that the provision of basic amenities to far-off areas was the top priority of the provincial government.

“To address issues of remote areas of the province the authorities concerned, local administrations and representatives of the local government should play their role with sincerity,” he said while talking to Union Council chairmen of District Khuzdar who called on him the other day.

Informing the chief minister about local issues, the UC chairmen said despite the release of billions of rupees the development process in almost all UCs of Khuzdar was very slow.



They said owing to lack of power UC chairmen were facing problems while their specific areas were encountering the shortage of water, schools and other basic amenities of life due to lack of funds.

They also complained about the hurdles being faced in getting computerised national identity cards.

The chief minister said: “The provincial government believes in the development of all areas of the province, remote areas in particular,” adding, “Practical steps should be taken to address issues of the masses and ensure basic facilities.”



“Merit in recruitment and using quality material in all development schemes should be ensured,” Zehri emphasised.

“The government believes in empowering local bodies so that issues of the masses should be resolved at their doorstep,” the chief minister said, adding, “The government is giving more powers and funds to local governments.”