RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday announced the launch of the ‘Khushhal Balochistan’ initiative aimed at the development of the province. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the army chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta.
In a tweet, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor apprised that ‘Khushhal Balochistan’ project is ready to be launched, adding that the initiative will promote socio-economic development and security across the province.
COAS at Qta. #KhushHalBln initiative aimed at enduring stability through socio-eco dev & security being launched. High lvl meeting at HQ SC.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) November 23, 2017
According to a statement released by the ISPR, the army chief and Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri were briefed in detail about the socio-economic and security environment and plan for execution of the development plan during the meeting which was also attended by officials of the provincial administration and military commanders.
The ISPR statement said that few aspects (of the plan) required further deliberation at staff level which would be finalised accordingly in next few days. “All aspects in security domain were approved by the COAS. Details of complete KHB initiative will be shared soon,” it added.
Speaking at the meeting, the COAS said that the army should provide full support to the federal and provincial governments for the success of the Khushhal Balochistan programme. “The programe in fact is ‘Khushhal Balochistan – Khushhal Pakistan’,” he added.
Chief Minister Zehri, on the occasion, appriciated contributions of the security apparatus for improving stability in the province and support for the execution of the KHB plan.
Earlier, upon arrival, General Bajwa was received by Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa.
In September, the army chief had said the Pakistan Army will continue assisting in the security and development of Balochistan, and the uplift projects in the province will be completed on time.
“The armed forces [are] fulfilling their responsibilities in far-flung areas [which] is commendable. We will keep rendering our duties with vigour and zeal,” said General Qamar on the second day of Eidul Azha which he spent in Turbat and Gwadar areas of Balochistan.
According to a statement issued by the ISPR, the COAS vowed that the army would keep assisting in the security and development of Balochistan. “All development projects under way in Balochistan will be completed on time,” he added.
Earlier in the month, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had announced a 10-year development package for Balochistan.
“A ten-year package for Balochistan will be made, which will include natural gas, electricity, and water schemes,” he had stated.
PM Abbasi had also announced that the federal government is fully committed to supporting Balochistan in its fight against terrorism.