Solving Balochistan's issues top priority of federal govt: Mamnoon
09 April, 2014
QUETTA: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that resolution of issues being faced by Balochistan was top priority of the federal government and that it was taking concrete measures to address these issues.
Addressing members of the provincial cabinet at the Governor's House on Tuesday, the president said that the province had been ignored in the past, which caused sense of deprivation among its people. Therefore, it needed special incentives, he added.
Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and SAFRON Minister Lt Gen (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch were also present in the meeting.
President Mamnoon said that steps were being taken to overcome energy crisis in the country. Various projects, including construction of small and mega dams, besides solar, coal and wind projects, would help overcome electricity shortage, he added.
He said that Balochistan was rich in minerals and natural resources, and their proper utilisation would help boost country's economy and create job opportunities for its youth.
Lauding the efforts of the provincial government in education and health sectors, he said that without carrying out reforms in these sectors, no real progress could be made. "Provision of quality education and best health care are the most important areas we are working on," he said.
He urged the provincial government to initiate development projects in agriculture, dairy farming and livestock sectors. The introduction of new techniques and the latest technology would help strengthen the economy of Balochistan, he added. Noting that provision of peace and security was imperative to attract investors and businessmen, the president asked the provincial government to take all possible steps in this regard.
In a meeting with Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai and Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch at the Governor's House on Tuesday, the President emphasised the need of concerted efforts to bring about peace, prosperity and socio-economic development in Balochistan.
The federal government accorded top priority to bring the people of the province to the national mainstream, he said
Reaffirming commitment for ensuring sustainable development and durable peace in Balochistan, the president said that no stone would be left unturned to remove the sense of deprivation among the people of the province.
He said that completion of mega projects already initiated and those in the pipeline would help address decades-long grievances of the people of Balochistan, besides bringing them at par with the people of other parts of the country. He expressed the hope that the ongoing efforts of the government to bring about sustainable development would yield positive results and help usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in the province.
The governor and the chief minister briefed the president about overall law and order situation, steps being taken by the provincial government to maintain peace and security, and development activities. The president assured the federal government's all-out support to the provincial government in its efforts to resolve the issues faced by the people and to expedite development works in the province.
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