Imran Khan-led govt to build cancer hospital in Balochistan

Spokesperson says project to be included in coming budget

QUETTA: The provincial government has finally decided to build the Balochistan's first-ever cancer hospital as part of the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, announced the provincial government’s spokesperson Mir Liaquat Shahwani on Saturday.

Shahwani revealed the government’s plans in a video statement, adding the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)-led government has made the decision in line with the masses’ demand and to ensure better medical facilities in the province.

He further said that the project would be made part of the upcoming budget.

“CM Jam Kamal Khan-led provincial government has been working on the preparation of the next financial budget while also initiating mega development projects for Balochistan for the coming years,” said the government’s spokesperson.

He further added that, according to their needs, funds would be allocated among all 28 provincial departments.

“Instead of completing ongoing projects, the previous governments were fond of initiating new development projects. But our government has been utilising all resources to conclude pending schemes,” Shahwani said.

He also disclosed that Rs32 billion out of the total Rs39 billion had been released for the more than 300 development projects across Balochistan.

Sharing his views on the Balochistan High Court’s judgment regarding the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), he said that, following the verdict of the honourable court, Rs5 billion would be released in the next month and a half.

The spokesperson also slammed the Opposition for spreading rumours regarding the government and creating doubts over the allocation of funds.

“The Opposition has not only been raising a hue and cry both inside and outside the assembly regarding the PSDP but is also busy spreading false rumours regarding funding for development projects,” he said, adding the current government has even issued funds for completion of the projects issued by the previous governments.

He added that, in a bid to end unemployment in the province, the government had already announced 18,000 vacant posts across the province while other vacancies would also be filled on a priority basis purely on merit.