President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday announced Rs 2 billion development package for Sui and said Balochistan would be developed at par with rest of the country. "Balochistan will now see a revolution of development, which will continue till the lifestyle of the locals comes at par with rest of Pakistan," Musharraf said while addressing a large public rally in Sui.
He said the government was carrying out 138 development projects worth Rs 135 billion in Balochistan, which was more than any other province. About development projects in Sui, the president said a labour colony would be established to facilitate the locals, while displaced people would be accommodated at their lands.
He said Sin Seela Road and a road from Dera Bugti to Kashmore would be constructed as part of improving communication network. The 60-km Sui to Uch road and another from Dera Bugti to Rajan Pur would be constructed, while railway track from Sui to Dera would be upgraded.
He said that projects worth Rs 8.5 billion were being executed in Dera Bugti district. Referring to Kachhi canal he said that it would irrigate 0.7 million acres of land, including 0.1 million acres in Dera Bugti district.
He said the 210 watercourses and 150 water tanks would be bricklined in Sui, while the water pipeline from Guddu Barrage to Balochistan would be expanded to increase water supply. He said Rs 7 billion were being spent on bricklining watercourses in Balochistan.
Musharraf announced setting up of a gas power plant in Sui for electricity generation, to be supplied to local area. He appreciated a large number of women gathered to attend his address and announced 500 sewing machines to be distributed among women of the area.
About development projects in Balochistan overall, President Musharraf said communication network was being upgraded in the province. He mentioned construction of 750 km Coastal Highway from Karachi to Gwadar, 950-km road from Gwadar to Ratodero via Turbat and Khuzdar.
He said the train from Quetta to Chaman and railway line from Quetta to Zhob would be upgraded, while night landing system would be provided at Quetta Airport soon.
About water system, President Musharraf said dams and water reservoirs were being built for providing drinking water and for irrigation. He said electricity was being brought from Iran to be supplied in coastal area, while gas from Iran would also be given to Balochistan. Ziarat, Pishin and Qallat have already been provided natural gas.
He said Balochistan was rich in minerals, and exploration was being carried out for coalmines. He said royalty would be given to the Balochistan government for such projects.
He announced opening of seven cadet colleges in the province, in addition to the previous one in Mastung. He said Frontier Corps would open 23 schools in the province, while Corps Headquarters had started a technical institute to impart skilled education to Baloch children.
Musharraf said that 63 Ferrari camps existed in Balochistan, but except three or four all had been destroyed. Ferraris at these camps should surrender and join development process. He said action would be taken against those not surrendering weapons. President said that no body would be allowed to obstruct revolutionary development in Balochistan.
He said cantonment has been opened in Sui and Army would stay there. He said 90,000 people had left Dera Bugti. Of them 65,000 had returned to their houses and government was carrying out massive relief for their rehabilitation.
He said some people were misleading the people in the area and 650 rockets were fired in just four days, railway lines were blown. Due to terrorism, investors did not come to the area.
General Musharraf said that people of Balochistan were being included in the army. He asked youth to come forward and join Army, Police and FC. He urged the Baloch people to send their children to educational institutes and said scholarships would be given to them in medical and engineering colleges.
Hundreds of young men were being admitted into higher educational institutions in the country on government expenses. All the corporations and Departments have been directed to provide employment to Balochistan youth after imparting them training. He said young men completing education for 16 years were being paid Rs 10,000 per month honoraria. They would also be provided employment.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yusuf addressing the public meeting said that in view of personal interest and measures of president Musharraf, province was moving ahead towards progress and prosperity. Completion of billions of Rupees development projects would speed up economic and social development.
President General Pervez Musharraf said that the district government system has brought about a silent revolution in the country; a fact also verified by the World Bank.
Addressing the Nazmin here at the Governor House, he said that wherever development work was carried out with sincerity, the people had started getting benefits. The President said that the district governments have been given Rs 100 million each while tehsil Rs 10 million each for development works.
He assured if the funds are used in a rightful manner, the government will not only continue providing funds but may increase the amount. President Musharraf said the government will install 7,000 filtration plants this year while the facility will be extended next year to all villages having population over one thousand in the province.
He said Gwadar is being linked by road with Rato Dero (Sindh) and further to Indus Highway. Quetta-Laurel-D.G. Khan Road is also under construction while Hob is also being linked with D.I. Khan, he added. President Pervez Musharraf said that Gwadar airport will be extended in the second phase while Quetta Airport'' will get night landing facility within two months.
Bostan-Hob Railway line is being converted into broad gauge, he said, adding work on linking of Gwadar port with Afghanistan by a rail line is also in progress. He said that completion of the Kachhi Canal will help irrigate 713,000 acres of land and ensure cultivation of cotton worth Rs 20 to 25 billion per season.
The President said Chamanlang mining field is now open for mining and a cement plant will be set up in the area. Referring to law and order in the province, the President noted that it has been improved to a great extent.
Quetta District Nazim Mir Maqbool Lehri, Nazam Chiltan Town Ismail Lehri, Nazim Awaran Khair Jan Baloch, Nazim Kharan Shaukat Baloch, Nazim Sinjawi Noor Muhammed Dumar and Nazim Sibi Tehsil Asghar Marri also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems of their area. The President assured them that these problems would be resolved at the earliest.
Governor Balochistan Awais Ahmed Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Muhammed Yousuf and provincial ministers were also present on the occasion.
The president also visited martyrs memorial. He laid floral wreath on the place and offered Fateha for the martyrs. He also noted his expressions on the occasion. He also visited Sui airport and inaugurated terminal building. Strict security was made during the president''s visit.