Govt, military on same page for development, progress, security of Pakistan: Nawaz

Rs162 billion have been allocated for development projects in the province of Balochistan.

GWADAR: On his visit to Gwadar the prime minister, with the Balochistan chief minister on his right and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Raheel Sharif towards his left, stated that the government and all its institutions including the armed forces sit on the same table for the development, progress and security of Pakistan, Express News reported.

Nawaz Sharif was visiting Gwadar to assess the development projects in the region and had been welcomed by COAS Raheel Sharif.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also accompanied him during his visit.

Nawaz said Rs162 billion will be allocated for development projects in the province.

The premier told the media that the construction of a state-of-the-art airport will be implemented along with development of the port, which the government envisions as a ‘Free Port’ along the lines of Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong ports.

International consultants will be hired for the planning and development of the free port, said the prime minister, adding that it will be developed along the lines of the ones in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Speaking about the law and order and security situation in Balochistan, the premier stated that immediate action will be taken by COAS General Raheel Sharif, and new security measures will be introduced.

Furthermore, the PM also said special security measures will be implemented for Chinese personnel working in Balochistan to safeguard the Pak-China economic corridor.

He also praised and gave special thanks to Balochistan’s chief minister on the basis of his work in implementing good policies and curtailing nepotism and bribery.

The prime minister also lauded the role of the FC, the military and federal institutions for the improvement in the law and order situation of the region.

Background

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on April 18 had stressed that the Gwadar port extension project should be given priority in order to boost economic activity in the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

Along with these development projects, he had also emphasised the need to improve health and education services in the province. The socio-economic package includes provision for training of human resource in different sectors.

Establishing peace in Balochistan is a priority of the government, he said, noting that security concerns can impede economic activity and socio-economic development.