Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that present federal government is determined to strengthen Balochistan from all aspects besides increasing its share in the revenue generated through exploitation of its natural resources.
Talking to mediamen at airport here on arrival on a two-day official visit, he referred to the steps taken by the government to empower the province economically and said the federal government has committed to pay Rs 17 billion to State Bank on behalf of the province which was outstanding against it for last many years.
Besides, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had also ordered to grant Rs 5.6 billion and Rs 3 billion respectively to the province under the development head.He said President Asif Ali Zardari had already apologised with the people of the province for the injustices done to them during successive governments evincing the governments commitment to redress the provinces long-standing issues and put it on track of development.
To a query about a foreign newspaper report that US intended to expand drone attacks to Balochistan, he termed it a mere rumour. "I am supposed to comment on official statements and no official statement has been made by US authorities regarding drone attack in Balochistan, so far."
On national economy, the Minister said indicators of national economy are quite satisfactory among the economies of Asia besides the inflation rate has also been curtailed to a considerable extent, which would stabilise prices of commodities in the country.