- Sharif says province to benefit the most from Pak-China Economic Corridor
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that despite financial constraints the government is providing substantial funds for the socio-economic development needed in Balochistan.
“The development of Balochistan is close to my heart,” said the premier, while addressing the Balochistan Development Forum here on Monday. The prime minister said that Balochistan’s share of the NFC Award has been enhanced from 5.11 to 9.9 percent.
He said Rs 61 billion have been allocated for the province under the Public Sector Development Fund during the current financial year, an amount that is 37 percent higher than the last fiscal year. Rs. 15 billion have been earmarked in the annual development program as a special development package for Balochistan.
Sharif said the province lagged behind in socio-economic development because it was neglected in the past.
The Prime Minister said that Balochistan is central to Pakistan becoming a regional hub for trade in terms of both goods and energy. He said that Balochistan would be the main beneficiary under the China-Pakistan economic corridor project.
Sharif said the federal government is also financing and implementing a number of projects to address gaps in the infrastructure, as well as human development indicators, in the province. One hundred and forty two projects in different sectors are being supported in the province through the federal development program.
He said that Reko Diq has huge copper and gold deposits, which will bring in prosperity for the people of the province. He said the federal government is determined to give full support to the provincial government to resolve the Reko Diq issue at the earliest.
In his address, Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai said the provincial government is making efforts to exploit the natural resources of the province in the short and medium term. He said the exploitation of natural resources and development of agriculture sector and fisheries will generate many new job opportunities and reduce poverty.
He said the development forum is intended to highlight the true potential of the province including its rich culture.
In his remarks, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik invited international investors to invest in different sectors to help develop the province. He said the province could guarantee a strong and peaceful future for Pakistan.
