Chinese officials, CM discuss Saindak project expansion

Kamal says govt will establish Special Economic Zone in Gadani

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Aliyani on Wednesday said the companies and investors can obtain lucrative benefits by investing in the province’s solar and other energy projects as the land is suitable for energy related schemes and businesses.

He shared these views on Wednesday while meeting Chairman National Electricity Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Touseef H Farooqui here in Quetta. The two discussed Hub-Bela transmission line up-gradation and other energy projects in Balochistan.

“The provincial regime has been working on a mechanism to foster government’s partnership with companies willing to invest in the province’s energy sector,” said Kamal adding that K-Electric can expand its business by revamping its energy system in Lasbela.

“Gadani has capacity to become Pakistan’s fourth trade port where government would establish Special Economic Zone comprising 5000 acres of land,” Kamal added.

Talking about agricultural tube wells in the province, Kamal said the government seeks to shift agricultural tube wells on solar system which would ease the energy burden.

Chairman NEPRA assured the chief minister that energy issues in Balochistan, including electricity breakdown and overbilling would be addressed on priority.

Earlier, Kamal said the Balochistan government welcomes investment in the province.

He shared these views while meeting with President MRDL Saindak Company Wang Jicheng and Chairman HeXuping here in Quetta, adding that the provincial government seeks to sign long-standing agreements with private companies willing to invest in Balochistan.

“We are committed to ink agreements with private companies by leading bilateral matters in a favourable way,” he maintained. “Many international mining companies are showing keen interest in doing business with the provincial government,” Kamal told the Chinese officials along with discussing expansion of Saindak project.

He also briefed about provincial mineral policy 2019 on the occasion, adding the set initiative would help foreign companies in knowing the clear stance of the provincial government.

“Balochistan government will welcome national and foreign companies willing to do business here by securing the interest of the people,” said the CM as he vowed no compromise on the provincial resources.

He reiterated partnership in all mineral, oil and gas projects in Balochistan, adding that the province is replete with resources which would secure the future of coming generations.

Kamal directed government’s committee to visit Saindak site and submit report at Chief Minister Secretariat regarding expansion of Saindak Project.

CM vows to curb harassment

Kamal also said the incumbent government is utilising all resources to ensure safe environment for women and children in Balochistan, adding that anti-harassment cells would be established on district levels.

He was meeting rights activist Dr Fozia Saeed here in Quetta, discussing domestic violence and harassment cases in Balochistan.

“Numerous articles of anti-harassment act are being implemented in Balochistan while protection of women and children is ensured following the tribal norms of our province,” Kamal said on the occasion. He also reviewed National Harassment Act.

Lauding the initiatives of the provincial government and efforts by CM Balochistan on curtailing harassment, Dr Fozia Saeed said Balochistan is leading among all three provinces in terms of legislations and implementing acts for prevention of violence and assault.

“The appointment of female ombudswoman would be beneficial as females would lodge their complaints without any hesitation,” Saeed said.

The meeting agreed upon Balochistan Watch Committee, headed by the chief secretary, to monitor harassment and domestic violence cases.

ANP delegation

The Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan’s delegation led by parliamentary leader Asghar Khan Achakzai also met Chief Minister Jam Kamal and discussed political affairs in the province.

The delegation comprising Asghar Khan Achakzai, Provincial Minister Engineer Zamrak Achakzai and Advisor to CM for Excise and Taxation Malik Naeem Bazai also exchanged views over the provincial government’s decision to establish new division in Balochistan, particularly in the Pashtoon belt.

“Government would call a joint meeting of coalition parties to take them into confidence regarding the future decision and plans,” Kamal told the delegation on the occasion.

The ANP’s provincial president Achakzai expressed his complete trust on CM Kamal and pledged his party’s full support to the provincial government in providing relief to the people of Balochistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2019.