Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal said on Friday that Balochistan will benefit most from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "Under the $35 billion component of CPEC for the energy sector, $11.5 billion will be spent in Sindh, $7.1 billion in Balochistan and $6 billion in Punjab," said the federal minister while speaking at the launch of the concept of "Balochistan Skill Enhancement Programme".
The event was organised by Taraqee Foundation in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in the honour of 250 students who were awarded visa documents after completion of their study under the Balochistan Skill Enhancement Programme. These students were trained in 10 different trades; out of these qualified trainees, 30 trainees received their visas for employment in the Gulf countries.
The CPEC investments will bring substantial infrastructural benefits and projects to Balochistan and initiatives such as the skill enhancement of youth.
Ahsan Iqbal said that Balochistan is a backward province encircled by water, energy, connectivity and unemployment challenges. A power transmission line from Chashma to Zhob has been completed which would help address power issues in the province.
The minister said CDWP Thursday approved Mangi dam with an allocation of Rs 9 billion to solve water problem in Quetta. Besides, international airport at Gwadar, Technical institution of international standard would be set up, the minister added.
Speaker Balochistan Assembly Raheela Hameed Durrani urged investors to invest in the province as it is high time in view of the CPEC. There is a need to set up Bank of Balochistan as every province, except Balochistan has its own bank, she added.
She further said that there is a dire need to produce skilled and trained youth. With respect to the CPEC, there will be a lot of demand for the trained people.
State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal Khan said that besides Balochistan, the whole country would witness prosperity due to the CPEC. However, the project would benefit only to those "who are prepared", he added.
Health Minister Balochistan Rehmat Baloch said that the government is committed to solving the basic problems the province is confronted with. Appreciating the Balochistan Skill Enhancement Programme, the minister said it should be expanded to each and every district of the province.
Zulfiqar Ahmad Durrani, Secretary Planning Balochistan, said the province has been facing "fifth insurgency". However, with the sacrifices of armed forces, general public and political leadership, the security situation has been turned around.
Comments
Comments are closed.