Asad Umar visits southern Balochistan for uplift plan

Says federal govt’s component will be implemented on priority basis

QUETTA:

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Initiatives Asad Umar said the federal and provincial authorities would closely work together to finalise the development programme for southern districts at the earliest.

“The federal government component of the program will be finalised and implemented on a fast track basis,” said the minister on Monday while talking to provincial ministers during a meeting in Turbat.

Umar was on a two-day visit to southern districts of the province where he was accompanied by Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, provincial ministers and other representatives.

The minister also held a meeting with public representatives, activists and members of civil society, where he was apprised about the issues faced by the residents of the area. Various speakers highlighted the need for improvement of road and electricity infrastructure, provision of internet connectivity, setting up of fruit and date processing units and improvement of sports facilities.

He said that it was prime minister’s vision to develop the most underdeveloped regions and to bring them on a par with relatively more developed regions.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the officials for a special development of southern districts of Balochistan,” said the minister, adding his visit was precisely for achieving the objective of the premier.

The minister was also given an ariel view of Turbat, Mandh, Buleda and the command area of Mirani Dam. He was briefed on the existing road connectivity as well as further requirements in this regard.

During the visit, the federal minister met officials of Balochistan Frontier Corps southern headquarters who briefed him on security challenges in the areas and measures adopted to ensure law and order in the region.

(With input from APP)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2020.