All Pakistan T-20 cricket tournament inaugurated in Quetta

Governor Balochistan says sporting activities in Balochistan send a message of peace and tranquility across the nation

QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai on Friday said sporting activities in Balochistan send a message of peace and tranquility across the nation, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of All Pakistan T-20 cricket tournament.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and Provincial Senior Minister Sanaullah Zehri were in attendance among others at Bugti Stadium, Quetta.

Governor Achakzai said that such events are a source of entertainment for the people of Balochistan. "When a society decides to develop, no force can hamper its success," Achakzai added.

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Provincial Sports Minister Mir Mujeeb ur Rehman said that the government has been successful in maintaining its promise to host a sporting festival each year.

Meanwhile Achakzai said, "providing the masses with resources is Balochistan government's responsibility as well as its topmost priority. It will not allow its youth to take up arms."

"The youth of Balochistan was lured into standing up against the state but now that they have become aware of the facts, they have started laying down arms," Major General Nasir Khan Janjua added at the ceremony.

The inauguration of All Pakistan T-20 is a testimony of the fact that conditions are changing in Balochistan, said General Janjua reiterated. "The Baloch now prefer peace and brotherhood over terrorism."

He further informed the audience that army Chief has lauded the efforts of the provincial government, security forces and the administration for diverting the youth's attention towards sports and other productive activities.

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According to Janjua, the government is inaugurating such a conciliatory policy in which a reward of Rs0.5 to 1.5 million has been offered and a help line has been dedicated for the masses of Balochistan to inform security forces of any suspected activity.

"Balochistan is the largest province and the heartthrob of Pakistan and it will witness prosperity in the near future," Janjua said.