Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday vowed to make every effort for the development of the people of Balochistan, saying that it was their right to enjoy all amenities of life like the rest of the country.
He was addressing a public meeting organised by Federal Minister for States and Frontier Region Sardar Muhammad Rind at Suran, some 250 kilometre east of Quetta, known to have a strong hold of Balochistan's Rind tribe. The Prime Minister said that the government had initiated a large number of mega projects, which would bring positive economic change in the province.
He said the government had taken unprecedented steps for the development and welfare of Balochistan over the last eight years, and the development projects had been made possible due to the government's sincerity for the socio-economic uplift of Balochistan's people. He added that maximum resources were being utilised in this regard.
He announced Rs 50 million for the development of district Bolan. He mentioned the approval by Ecnec for the reconstruction of Bolan dam at a cost of Rs 460 million--a project lagging for last many years. He said that within one week, the cellular company, Ufone, would start working on modalities of telecommunication in the area. He said that 300 persons from this area would be inducted in police. He said a project worth Rs 170 million would be initiated to supply gas to 14 villages. Referring to Kacchi canal, Shaukat said it would bring green revolution in the area and irrigate the barren lands.
He lauded President Pervez Musharraf for making sincere efforts for the benefit of people in far-flung areas. "We still need to do more to bringing these areas at par with the country's developed cities," he added. The Prime Minister said the government was also pursuing policies for provision of electricity and road network, besides providing basic infrastructure.
He announced construction of 33 kilowatt new grid station for power supply to Suran and adjoining areas. He said that continuity of economic policies was essential to keep the country on road to prosperity. He appealed to the people to vote for the ruling coalition, as it has been working for the rights of the common man.
"We take pride in running the party which created the country under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam. We still have a long way to go to make Quaid's country much stronger," he added. He urged the youth to work hard and get education because it was the only way to take the country forward and stand out among the comity of nations.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yousaf said that President Musharraf and his team has worked tirelessly for the development of Balochistan.