Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that through a comprehensive national effort, cooperation between federal and provincial governments and assistance of the armed forces, true potential of Balochistan would be realised.
The prime minister said this while visiting the headquarters of Southern Command at Quetta Cantt on Saturday, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The premier, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan and lead federal ministers, was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Quetta Air Base.
A detailed briefing on security situation of the province, challenges and response was given. The PM was also briefed about socio-economic development based Khushal Balochistan program, security of CPEC projects and progress of fencing along Pak-Afghan border.
The COAS said that having achieved stability in troubled areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, lately the focus of the armed forces has been on Balochistan, which is the economic future of Pakistan.
PM Khan acknowledged and appreciated contributions of security forces towards improving peace, stability and socio-economic development of the province. “Only a cohesive national effort shall In Shaa Allah take provinces and the country to the rightful destination of peace, progress and prosperity,” he added.
Later, addressing tribal elders, former judges, lawyers and members of the civil society in the provincial capital, the premier said the federal government will ensure that peace and prosperity returns to Balochistan.
PM Imran said that poverty and economic backwardness could be alleviated through the utilisation of natural resources. “The province is rich in natural resources,” he said.
“The federal government will assist chief minister Balochistan for the uplift of the people.” The premier also said that a system of local bodies will be initiated in the province. He reiterated that Pakistan is under debt because of corruption, adding that corrupt practices must be eliminated if development is to be achieved.
The premier will also chair a meeting on the development projects of Balochistan and meet members of the provincial cabinet. He would also meet parliamentarians and representatives of the civil society.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Hussain, Minister for Planning and Development Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi, provincial political leadership, and special assistants to PM on media and political affairs are also accompanying the prime minister during his visit.
Source: Express Tribune
