PM announces more funds for Balochistan uplift

Hints at giving a special development package for southern Balochistan

QUETTA:

Reiterating the federal government’s stance pertaining to equal development for all areas of Balochistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced allocation of more funds to the federal public sector programme (PSDP) for the province as it possesses tremendous ability for progress in various sectors.

He stated this during a brief visit to Balochistan on Friday to review the losses suffered by various districts of Balochistan in the recent heavy torrential rains that resulted in copious floods, rehabilitation efforts and steps to halt the spread of coronavirus.

The prime minister indicated on announcing a special development package for southern Balochistan. “The Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar will visit Balochistan for consultation with provincial authorities in this regard,” he said.

Expressing his grief over the huge losses caused by recent floods in Balochistan, PM Imran appreciated the measures taken by the provincial government to cope with the situation created due to heavy floods and assured the federal government’s support, all possible help and cooperation in this regard for the rehabilitation people belonging to flood-stricken areas.

The prime minister conveyed his satisfaction over the water level in dams, adding that construction of new dams could open up new avenues for agricultural development. “The Balochistan government should define its priorities regarding development projects, which could help in creating financial sources, employment opportunities and develop backward areas of the province.”

He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led government was on the course of completing its agenda of welfare of the downtrodden and uplift and prosperity of neglected areas. “Welfare of the people of Balochistan and socio-economic development of the province is among top priorities of my government.”

PM Imran assured to bring the largest province of the country on a par with the rest of the provinces.

Briefing the meeting over the post-rain situation in Balochistan, Chief Secretary Capt (Retd) FazeelAsghar gave a detailed presentation about the loss of lives and property, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and distribution of ration and relief activities in the province.

Asghar relayed that an emergency was imposed in the province with the onset of monsoon in August, “Relief camps and early warning systems were set up. The Pakistan Army had provided heavy machinery and rescue support whereas the rehabilitation work on roads, bridges and dams was under way.”

The chief secretary also presented a comparative outlook of the coronavirus situation in March and September this year. “Currently there were 886 active cases in the country and the NDMA had provided full support in the anti-Covid-19 operation.”

Further on, apprising the meeting of the ongoing and future development projects, Asghar informed the meeting that 24 new laws were promulgated and another 11 were being amended regarding development projects.

The meeting was also briefed on new energy projects, construction of industrial estates, new colleges, sports complexes, cancer hospitals, provision of funds for agriculture projects, Gwadar Smart City, development of five beach parks, and construction of 18 dams on the Pat Feeder Canal.

The prime minister was also told about the measures being taken to uplift the living standards of people, master planning for tourism promotion, drinking water supply and development of infrastructure in Quetta city. The Quetta-Chaman Road and proposed projects of KachhiCanal-II and III also came under discussion.