QUETTA: The federal government on Thursday announced a relief package for the people affected by harsh weather in Balochistan and it said it would work with the provincial government to revive the infrastructure and protect people from natural disasters in future.
Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the PTI government is doing its best to address demands and remove deprivation of the people of Balochistan.
She, however, added that 72-year-long sense of deprivation in Balochistan could not be overcome in 15 months. “However, things are moving in the right direction,” she said.
Announcing relief package for the snow affected people, she said so far 20 people have died and 23 got injured due to extreme weather while 173 houses were damaged. “We have announced Rs500,000 for every deceased, Rs50,000 for every injured and Rs50,000 for every damaged house.”
In the future, she said, the federal government will also work with the provincial government to revive the infrastructure and to protect people from natural disasters. In this regard, the Red Crescent’s role will be further strengthened to help people in severe weather conditions.
She said the government is committed to completing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects and other initiatives started in the province. “These projects will provide jobs to the youth of Balochistan.”
According to her, it is the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring Balochistan, in terms of development, on a par with other provinces.
“Balochistan’s government is our ally, and we are providing facilities to the Balochistan government, so that the province may economically reap benefits, attract investors, and further explore its mineral wealth with the help of new technology,” she said.
She said in Gwadar - which is an integral part of CPEC – the government is building Pakistan’s third largest international airport. “From the same port town, Afghan Transit trade has commenced.”
Dr Firdous said the federal government, with the help of Chief Minister Jam Kamal, would make a journalists’ colony in Quetta and name it after the journalists, who were killed in the line of duty.
She said they will start an Information Centre at the Quetta Press Club, which will help disseminate information and news in every nook and corner of Balochistan via social, print, and electronic media, as well as they will create jobs for the center.
“Balochistan’s people have opposed Indian sponsored activities in the province,” she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2020.
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