PM expresses resolve to ensure Balochistan’s development

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed the resolve to take all possible measures for the development and progress of Balochistan and to make Gwadar Port as the best seaport of the world.

Addressing a ceremony in Gwadar on Thursday afternoon, he said uniform progress of all the federating units is vital for the development and prosperity of the entire country. He said Pakistan cannot progress if any of its provinces lag behind the development process. He said development projects in Balochistan will open up the doors of progress and prosperity for the people of the province. He said friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have extended their generous support to Pakistan in meeting its economic and financial challenges.

He said China has rolled over around seven billion dollars during last five months. He further said that it is now responsibility of the people of Balochistan to provide maximum protection to the Chinese workers, undertaking various development projects in the province. He questioned as to how an investor would come to invest in Balochistan if he faced security issues. Hence, it is utmost necessary to provide security to Chinese workers, who are Pakistan's friends.

The Prime Minister maintained that Balochistan is rich with natural resources and the people of the province have the priority rights over this treasure. Similarly, dividends of Gwadar Seaport should be diverted for the welfare of the people of the area to ensure availability of clean drinking water, health, education and employment.

Further talking about the Gwadar Port, Shehbaz Sharif said it is a deep seaport, which can accommodate large ships, but what an irony it is that no dredging of the harbour was undertaken since 2005. He said a contract has been awarded to ensure dredging of the port and hopefully large ships can arrive here by March next year. He recalled that only 100,00 tons of cargo was brought through Gwadar Port in last five years, while shipments worth 600,000 tons landed in 15 months. 

Shehbaz Sharif further said 100 megawatt electricity project was completed during last eight months and the power is being supplied to the consumers of Gwadar. He said 3000 fishermen will be provided 250,000 rupees each to procure necessary equipment for fishing under an 830 million rupees project. He said a 300 megawatt coal-fired power plant will be established in Gwadar under CPEC.             

Talking about distribution of laptops among the talented students of Balochistan, the Prime Minister said 100,000 laptops are being distributed across Pakistan out of which Balochistan's share is 14 percent, which is more than the double of its share as per population. He said his government wants to extend maximum facilitation to the students of Balochistan and announced to increase province's share in the laptops scheme from 14 percent to 18 percent for next year.