CM Kamal prefers development over politics

Says Balochistan holds the key to Pakistan’s progress

QUETTA: Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has said Balochistan holds the key to Pakistan’s progress and for the purpose the federal and provincial governments are working to introduce neutral government system in the province.

A neutral government system is where governments are open to suggestions for development of the country.

“The federal and provincial governments are utilising all available resources to address major public issues. However, the least-developed from all the other provinces – Balochistan - needs keen attention of the Centre in order to end the sense of deprivation among its people,” said the chief minister while addressing a ceremony held to inaugurate the Cardiac Hospital in Balochistan Medical Complex in Quetta on Friday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of the hospital.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Balochistan Governor Amanullah Yasinzai, Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Zubeda Jalal, Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Yar Muhammad Rind and federal and provincial government officials were present.



On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chief Minister Kamal said, “Former prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] had pledged a western route for the CPEC project but could not fulfil his promise. Today, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Balochistan Awami Party inaugurated the western route which will be a game changer for the province’s economy.

“The provincial government and the Pakistan Army have been working on the cardiac hospital for the people of Balochistan, while the United Arab Emirates government provided financial assistance.”

Kamal said now the people would not have to travel to Karachi to get cardiac treatment.

On financial challenges, Kamal said, “We need to focus on neutral government system to get out of the financial quagmire and expand the scope of accountability in order to secure the future of millions of people.

“Today, measures are being taken keeping in mind the ground needs of Balochistan. We have commenced various development projects in the provincial capital Quetta, which is the face of Balochistan.”

He lamented that unfortunately the previous governments had not paid much attention to resolve the issues of the public.

On the law and order situation in the province, the CM said, “In the last 15 years, our brave soldiers and the masses sacrificed their lives for peace. Through unity, we were triumphant in eradicating security challenges. Today peace has been restored.”

Gwadar address

Addressing a ceremony in Gwadar, Kamal announced that the provincial government ended the practice of making decisions based on personal interest, saying now the pace of development work will be expedited.

During the ceremony, PM Imran and COAS Gen Qamar laid the foundation stone of Gwadar International Airport.

Governor Yasinzai, Lt Gen Bajwa, senators, federal and provincial ministers, government officials and the businessmen community were in attendance.

“We believe in a development process which meets the will and needs of the people. The incumbent federal and provincial governments are taking decisions based on the better interest of the people of Pakistan,” said Kamal.

The CM slammed the previous governments for making decisions based on personal interests.

“The Gwadar International Airport and the Cardiac Centre in Quetta will change the fortune of the people of Balochistan and completion of the western route will accelerate economic activities,” the CM said. “Unlike previous federal and provincial governments, we have been focusing on social welfare development of the nation.”

Kamal lauded the visit of the prime minister to Gwadar, saying it will be beneficial for the people of the port city.