Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the dream of Balochistan’s prosperity was being realised with the completion of several development projects, ensuring “a new Pakistan in the making”.
“A new and developed Balochistan means a new Pakistan, with an unprecedented progress that never happened before in history,” the Prime Minister said in his address at the inauguration of a 448-kilometre-long Sohrab-Hoshab road, an important segment of western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Prime Minister said the journey of progress and development was in full swing throughout the country.
He said that billions of rupees were being spent on development of Balochistan because the government wanted to mitigate the sense of deprivation among Baloch people.
Nawaz Sharif said the road network would connect Gwadar port in Balochistan to Khunjerab border with China and would ensure economic activity, reduce poverty and unemployment in the province.
“The completion of every new road in Balochistan brings another ray of hope for a promising future for the people of the province,” he said, adding that a strong communication network would pave way for building of schools, universities and hospitals.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his government had chosen the path of serving masses and whosoever wanted to reach the power echelons should also adopt seriousness and sobriety.
“Only a serious command with a vision can lead the nation,” he said adding that public in 2018 election would give their decision in favour of those who took steps for their welfare.
He regretted the attitude of some politicians who were constantly involved in mud-slinging and said such people were bringing negativity to the society.
Nawaz Sharif said during his present tenure, the country had experienced a visible change in terms of strong economy, improved law and order and reduced load-shedding of electricity.
Chief Minister Balochistan Sanaullah Khan Zehri thanked the prime minister for giving priority to the people of Balochistan.
Director General Frontier Works Organization (FWO) Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal said the Sohrab-Hoshab road project had been materialized with the unity and willpower of the federal and Balochistan government, FWO, National Highway Authority and local administration.
The government gave a go ahead in January 2014 to start project under the guidance of FWO, NHA and NESPAK. The deadline was reduced from five years and six months to two years and three months.
The DG FWO paid tribute to 32 jawans who laid their lives during the construction of this road.
Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Amir Riaz, former Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and parliamentarians attended the event.
