- Sharif approves Pur Aman Balochistan plan, performs groundbreaking of three development projects
- High-level meeting decides to provide full security to CPEC projects in Balochistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Balochistan on Thursday and approved the Pur Aman Balochistan plan for bringing back the disgruntled Balochs into the national mainstream.
At a high level meeting chaired by the prime minister and attended by Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and senior civil and military authorities, PM Sharif directed the officials to reach out to the people of Balochistan and make them partners in the development process. He appreciated the measures of the provincial government in this regard.
On the occasion, the prime minister was given a comprehensive briefing on the latest security situation and initiatives by the federal and provincial governments, the armed forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for engaging the Balochs in the province’s uplift.
The meeting was also briefed about the development projects including the ones inaugurated by the prime minister on his arrival at the Balochistan Governor’s House. The meeting agreed to provide full security to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Balochistan.
Addressing the meeting, the premier said that Balochistan was the corner stone of future development of Pakistan and would be the principal beneficiary of the CPEC projects. He said that the infrastructure and communication network will be enhanced for utilising Balochistan’s resources while the Gwadar Port will be connected by rail and road links with Central Asian States.
On the occasion, the prime minister directed the officials to prepare a strategy for building the Gwadar Port City and port as an economic hub for attracting investors.
PM Sharif expressed satisfaction over the consensus among all stakeholders on national issues and said that it will take the country forward. He further said that the economic turnaround of Pakistan was being acknowledged by international financial bodies which were ready to work with Pakistan.
Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Federal Minister for SAFRON Lt Gen (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch also accompanied the prime minister on the visit and attended the high level meetings during the visit.
Immediately upon arrival in Quetta, the prime minister performed the ground breaking of Mangi Dam, Balochistan Agriculture University and a flyover on Smungli Road. He also inaugurated Sariab Road Flyover, which has been completed at a cost of Rs 1,581 million.
The prime minister was also given a briefing on the projects. The Mangi Dam project will be completed at a cost of Rs 9,853 million, Sumungli Road Flyover with nearly Rs 1,500 million and Agricultural University at a cost of Rs 4,589 million.