Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Tuesday directed authorities concerned to accelerate the pace of all ongoing development projects in Balochistan.
He also directed the Planning Division and Ministry of Finance to remove procedural obstacles in consultation with the provincial authorities for the timely completion of the projects.
Khoso said this during a briefing he was given on various development projects in the province including GwadarPort, Gwadar Development Authority, Kachhi Canal Project, Rato-Daro-Khuzdar Road Project, Naulang and Mirani Dam.
Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsi, Chief Minister Ghous Baksh Barozai, caretaker Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mandokheil, the planning commission secretary, chairmen of the NHA and WAPDA as well as the Balochistan chief secretary were present.
“The government accords top priority to the speedy completion of ongoing development projects in the province and will utilize all available resources in this regard,” Khoso said adding that the physical progress on these projects would not be delayed either because of shortage of funds or because of any procedural impediment.
Earlier, the WAPDA chairman told the prime minister that the Kachhi Canal Project would be completed by June 30 and water for irrigation would be available on either side of the canal.
He said the Kachhi Canal Project management had already sought the services of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) for efficient implementation of the project.
About Naulang Dam, the WAPDA chairman said the progress on the dam was delayed due to unavailability of funds. “However, the project will soon be completed as sufficient funds have been released for it.”
Referring to GwadarPort, the prime minister highlighted the importance of ongoing Rato Daro-Khudzar Highway project for connecting the port to rest of the country and directed the Ministry of Communications for its earlier completion.
“GwadarPort will not only play a significant role in progress and prosperity of the province, but also usher the entire nation in an era of development,” Khoso said, adding that the federal government will also look into the proposal for appointment of Balochistan chief minister as Gwadar Port Authority chairman.
About expansion of the port, the prime minister was briefed that the project would cost Rs 25 billion, which also included establishing a Free Trade Zone and sufficient land in this regard had been acquired.
The National Transmission and Dispatch Corporation (NTDC) chairman informed Prime Minister Khoso that it was the first time that Balochistan had been given representation in the board of members of the NTDC.