CM Kamal for equal uplift of all districts

Orders mechanism for development of both rural and urban areas

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has stressed the need for equal development of all districts in the province.

Chairing a meeting of the finance committee, Kamal ordered the preparation of a mechanism for equal development of both the rural and urban areas.

“Funds need to be issued to all districts on the basis of population, size, income and the need for human development,” he said.

“The government is committed to good administration,” he added.

The chief minister announced that the local government departments would be given representation in the provincial finance committee through an amendment to committee’s act.

“The people will only benefit from development schemes if the funds are used properly.”

He directed Quetta Commissioner Usman Ali Khan and Administrator Tariq Javed Mengal to ensure cleanliness in the city and revamp its solid waste management system.

Provincial Finance Minister Zahoor Buledi and Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Abdul Rehman Buzdar also attended the meeting.

Last month, the chief minister had pledged to complete all pending development schemes in the province.

“Development in rural areas remains our key priority hence measures are being taken to ensure the provision of quality education and health facilities in remote parts of the province,” he said.

He lamented the previous regimes’ attitude towards public issues, adding that development funds were subjected to favouritism in the past which caused delays in dozens of development schemes. “The incumbent government will complete all the pending schemes,” he vowed.

He stressed the need for making the province more self-sufficient by developing its own natural resources.

“The time has come to increase Balochistan’s self-sufficiency. Instead of looking towards the Centre for funds we have to boost our industries and departments in order to yield positive results,” he said.

The chief minister also vowed to speed up work on development projects included in the Public Sector Development Programme 2019-20.  “The economic development of Pakistan would emerge from Balochistan but only if we were ready to focus on the development schemes.”

Kamal pointed out that the role of the province was important in the overall economic development of Pakistan.

“It is high time we invest in Balochistan because its role in the development of the country is crucial.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2019.