PM Nawaz approves peaceful Balochistan plan

Premier chairs apex committee meeting; inaugurates three development projects in province

QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved on Thursday the launch of peaceful Balochistan plan to bring angry Balochs back into the mainstream, Radio Pakistan reported.

The approval was given at the special apex committee meeting held in Quetta, which was attended by army chief General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, among others.

PM Nawaz also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of three development projects, i.e. Mangi Dam, Balochistan Agriculture University and a flyover on Smungli Road.

While the Mangi Dam project will be completed at a cost of Rs9,853 million, Sumungli Road Flyover will need Rs1500 million and Agricultural University Rs4,589 for completion.

Read:Balochistan's development is top priority: Nawaz

The PM also inaugurated Sariab Road flyover, which was completed at a cost of Rs1,581.



PHOTO: PID

Meanwhile, The Express Tribune learnt on Tuesday that almost all major Baloch insurgent groups, except Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) chief Nawabzada Harbyar Marri, had opened negotiations with the stakeholders in Balochistan.

Balochistan chief minister along with his National Party (NP) head Hasil Bizenjo had called on Premier Nawaz on Tuesday.

According to sources privy to the development, the prime minister was informed about the latest situation of the talks between various factions of Baloch rebels and the local stakeholders, including the provincial government.

Read: Baloch insurgent groups in dialogue with govt

PM Nawaz had said his government gave priority to Balochistan as the province will have central role in the future development of Pakistan.

The federal government is funding the ongoing development projects in Balochistan on priority basis and the port city of Gwadar will be linked to other cities of the country to utilise its true potential, he added.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to make Balochistan the economic hub of the country, Nawaz said his government plans to connect Pakistan with Central Asia via Tirmiz and soon Balochistan will be the central point of the economic activity of the whole region.