Baloch youth invited to Punjab campuses

Punjab chief minister visits port city of Gwadar, Turbat and Ziarat

QUETTA: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has invited youth of Balochistan to initiate their educational journey in Punjab’s institutions.

Addressing a ceremony held in his honour in Turbat, the Punjab CM supported development effort in Balochistan and said: “I assure full cooperation to Balochistan chief minister as it is my second home.”

During his address, Buzdar said, “We intend to provide assistance to other provinces as Punjab has capacity to accommodate students from other provinces,” he said.

Briefing on the steps taken by Punjab government for the development of the province, the CM said 35 per cent funds have been allocated this year for southern Punjab to uplift the backward areas.

Buzdar expressed his intention to organize a programme in Lahore highlighting cultural activities of Pakistan’s provinces strenghtening inter-ethnic contacts and promoting cultural exchange.

Addressing the ceremony, CM Kamal said government focused on uplifting backward areas through development programmes as majority population in Balochistan lived in rural areas.

“The government plans to devolve power to lower levels through Baloch youth invited to Punjab campuses
amendments in Local Government Act in order to facilitate rural people,” said Kamal.

Kamal apprised the Punjab CM about ongoing development schemes in education, health and other departments.

Buzdar also visited the port city of Gwadar and noted that the port will emerge as a key factor for Pakistan’s economic development besides pulling Balochistan out of backwardness.

Provincial Chief Minister Jam Kamal welcomed him.

“Pakistan and Balochistan’s prospective economic prosperity lies with Gwadar port as it is the heart of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” said Buzdar. The chief minister lauded efforts of the provincial government for development projects and expressed optimism in reviving Gwadar as a modern city of Asia.

Balochistan Planning and Development Additional Chief Secretary Abdul Rehman Buzdar and Gwadar port authority Chairman Naseer Kashani briefed Buzdar about the development of the port.

Kamal said the government has decided to hire 50 per cent technical and 95 per cent labor prioritising local population for vacancies at the port city.

Buzdar also visited Mirani Dam and weather affected areas in Kach town of Ziarat district. He assured full support of Punjab government in restoration of people affected by heavy snowfall and rains in Balochistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2020.