Government committed to peace in Balochistan: PM

Ashraf says he has directed all federal agencies to cooperate with provincial authorities in tracing missing persons.

ISLAMABAD: Echoing his first speech as Prime Minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf reiterated on Monday that Balochistan is one of the top most priorities of his government and that he was taking a personal interest to raise the standard of living of the people there, Radio Pakistan reported.

This though did not deter the opposition from claiming that the government was not following up on its words through actions.

Discussing the prevailing situation in the troubled province with the Chief Minister of Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani, Ashraf reiterated that he had directed all the federal agencies to cooperate with the provincial administration in tracing the missing persons. He said he has directed the Chief Secretary Balochistan to comply with the orders of Supreme Court in letter and spirit.

The prime minister said the federal government was keen to develop the province and had approved a special package for the purpose. For this purpose, the Ministry of Finance, Ashraf said, had been directed to release all requisite funds for completion of on-going projects of Balochistan on priority basis including the release of Rs6 billion for the completion of Kachhi canal.

The prime minister pointed out that the early completion of all development projects and the employment of Baloch youth would help bring prosperity to the area.

The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for the support of the federal government and the in the development of Balochistan.