Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said that the government was taking concrete steps on priority to remove backwardness from Balochistan and to provide amenities to the people of far-flung areas.
He was speaking at the inauguration of work for the provision of natural gas to Kalat and Sorab. Kalat is one of the coldest areas of Balochistan.
The provision of gas has been a longstanding demand of the people of the area, which has been met by the present government.
The prime minister was greeted by a large number of people on arrival here despite bad weather.
In a briefing, the prime minister was informed that under the scheme, a 90km pipeline of 8-inch diameter would be laid between Kalat and Mastung.
The scheme would cost Rs 470 million, of which Rs 150 million had been provided by the federal government and the project would be completed in one year.
Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Mohammed Yousuf, federal Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Nouraiz Shakoor, Balochistan Assembly speaker and deputy speaker, provincial ministers and legislators were also present on the occasion.
Prime Minister Jamali also announced provision of natural gas to Vindar and adjoining areas in Lasbela district, and establishment of a CNG plant at Zhob.