QUETTA, March, 22: Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammed Yousaf said on Saturday that Islamabad had assured Balochistan that an additional three to four billion rupees would be provided to the province for giving relief to the drought-hit people.

Speaking at a public meeting in Kharan, he said the assistance would be in addition to the drought relief package of Rs2 billion announced by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

The chief minister said the federal government would release Rs1 billion to the province under Khushhal Pakistan Programme.

He said: “Water shortage is the biggest problem of the province for which the provincial government is preparing plans and projects under Drought Emergency Relief Assistance to provide relief to people in the drought-hit areas.”

He said the provincial government would carry on the development process started during the last three years and devise more uplift schemes. He took notice of the projects, specially of water supply, which were not functional and said strict action would be taken against those responsible.

He termed improvement of the law and order situation the top priority of his government and said steps were being taken in this regard.

Creation of 200 posts of levies in each district was under consideration and the decision would soon be approved by the provincial cabinet, he said.

Jam Yousaf said drawbacks of the local government system would be removed. He directed the district officials to take interest in resolving public problems and ensuring implementation of government’s directives.

He said: “We want to establish a government where life and property of the people is secure, justice affordable and accessible and jobs are available for youth.”