–Khan vows to pay Balochistan more than its due share in CPEC, says Pakistan’s progress dependent on province
–PM calls for national cohesion to steer country towards progress, acknowledges army’s contributions in improving peace in Balochistan
QUETTA: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was being reviewed to safeguard the rights of all the provinces.
The premier said this while chairing a meeting of the Balochistan provincial cabinet in Quetta.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Khan said that progress of Pakistan is linked with the development of Balochistan, assuring provincial leaders that the federal government will extend every possible cooperation to Balochistan in the financial crisis being faced by it.
Khan vowed that Balochistan would be paid more than its due share in CPEC projects. He added that he will remain in constant contact with the chief minister, provincial leadership and other stakeholders to ensure Balochistan’s share in the country’s progress and prosperity.
The prime minister said that the federal government in collaboration with Balochistan authorities will end backwardness in the province and a comprehensive strategy would be worked out for an early progress of the province in light of the proposals to be submitted by the provincial government.
Prime Minister Khan asked the members of the provincial assembly to carry out effective legislation for resolving problems of the people in the province.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Federal Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri and Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal welcomed the prime minister and expressed his gratitude on taking special interest in the situation of Balochistan.
Earlier, the Balochistan chief secretary briefed the prime minister on socioeconomic development projects in the province.
‘GOVT COMMITTED TO BALOCHISTAN’S DEVELOPMENT’:
Meanwhile, addressing a gathering of elders, retired judges, lawyers and representative of civil society in Quetta, Prime Minister Khan reiterated that his government was committed to bringing a positive change in lives of the people of Balochistan, as it believed that progress of the country’s largest province was directly linked to the prosperity of Pakistan.
PM Khan assured Balochistan government of all necessary help and cooperation for uplift and development of the province, and stressed on the need to invest in human capital in the province, besides the infrastructure projects.
“The federal government will assist Balochistan chief minister for the uplift of the people,” he said.
The premier also said that a system of local bodies will be initiated in the province. He reiterated that Pakistan is under debt because of corruption, adding that corrupt practices must be eliminated if development is to be achieved.
Lamenting the brain drain in the province, Khan said that opportunities will be created in the province to lure back the qualified and professional people to the province.
COAS BRIEFS PM ON SECURITY ISSUES:
Earlier, PM Khan visited the Southern Command Headquarters in Quetta Cantt where he was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
On the occasion, the premier highlighted the need for a comprehensive national effort, cooperation between federal and provincial governments and assistance of the Pakistan Army to unleash true potentials of Balochistan.
During his meeting with the army high command in Quetta, Khan acknowledged and appreciated contributions of security forces towards improving peace, stability and socioeconomic development of the province of Balochistan.
“Only a cohesive national effort shall In Shaa Allah take provinces and the country to the rightful destination of peace, progress and prosperity,” he added.
PM at HQ SC. PM acknowledged & appreciated contributions of security forces towards improving peace, stability & socio-economic dev of Province. “Only a cohesive national effort shall IA take provinces & Country to the rightful destination of peace, progress & prosperity”, PM. pic.twitter.com/4oD5Z4hKws
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) October 6, 2018
A detailed briefing on security situation of the province, challenges and response was given.
The PM was also briefed about socioeconomic Khushal Balochistan programme, security of CPEC projects and progress of fencing along Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
PM along with CM Balochistan and lead ministers visited HQ SC. Briefed on security situation of the Province, challenges and response. “Having achieved stability in troubled areas of KP, lately our focus has been on Balochistan which is economic future of Pakistan”, COAS.(1of2). pic.twitter.com/3fRk9F7wXD
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) October 6, 2018
The army chief said that having achieved stability in troubled areas of KP, the security forces were now focused on Balochistan, which is the economic future of Pakistan.
