CM vows to protect minorities

Kamal says BAP is taking all measures to uplift provincial economy

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Saturday pledged to protect the rights of the minorities, saying it is the government’s responsibility to facilitate all its citizens.

“The provincial cabinet has approved small loans worth Rs1.6 billion for the young people in an attempt to end poverty and unemployment in Balochistan,” said Kamal while visiting a temple in Jhal Magsi district on the invitation of the Hindu community.

He lauded the efforts of Dinesh Kumar, a minority lawmaker from the area and said he has been making utmost efforts for the development of all the people living in the province, including minorities.

The Hindu community leaders thanked the chief minister for paying a visit to the district. They said the desert car rally in Jhal Magsi has helped in promoting economic activities in the area.

Seeds of intolerance: Private building in Karachi displays anti-minority notice, draws mass ire

They also discussed their issues with the CM and requested him to address them on priority. Kamal assured them that the government will ensure the provision of all facilities to them.

Jam Kamal, who is also head of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), said his party has put the province on track of development and is keenly working to foster economic activities in the province.

The chief minister reiterated his resolve to eradicate poverty from the province.

“Balochistan is replete with natural resources which are enough to turn the province into the most developed and prosperous region of the country,” Kamal said as he emphasized utilisation of available resources with sincerity.

He lamented the poor governance of past governments and said many resourceful departments were ‘deliberately neglected’ which increased a sense of deprivation in Balochistan. “The resource-rich province has enough capacity to boost its economy but the entire country,” he said.

He also laid stress on skill development courses for creating better human resources.

Earlier, Kamal said the role of the province is important in the overall economic development of Pakistan. “It was high time we invested in Balochistan because its role in the development of the country is crucial,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2019.