PM supports Thal, Kalabagh projects: Sui gas firms to be told to employ locals,
Zamzama field inaugurated
By Our Correspondent
DADU, Sept 4: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Thursday said he had never opposed Kalabagh dam or Greater Thal canal and declared that the two projects should be completed in the larger interest of the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Zamzama gas field phase-I being undertaken by the Billiton Petroleum Pakistan (BHP) near Johi, the prime minister said he supported all such projects, particularly the Kalabagh Dam, which were beneficial to the country.
Referring to the Legal Framework Order, he said it was part of the Constitution and the National Assembly was functioning smoothly, and added that the opposition would achieve nothing by continuing its protest against the LFO.
The prime minister said the National Assembly and his government would complete their tenure.
He said the government was providing facilities to the multinational petroleum companies so that they could invest in the country which, he added, was badly needed for the development of the country.
He asked people not to politicize the presence and working of the multinational companies in the area and advised them to extend cooperation to them and take advantage of the economic opportunities.
He said the BHP was providing jobs and health and educational facilities to local people and added that the Sui Southern and Sui Northern gas companies would also be directed to provide facilities to the area.
Recalling his political activities, Mr Jamali said he was proud that he had contested the 1993 election from Dadu and added that though he did not win, Allah had provided him an opportunity to serve the people of the area.
The prime minister announced supply of gas to villages situated within the 5km radius of the Zamzama gas field.
Addressing the gathering, Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Chaudhry Noraiz Shakoor Khan said the successful exploration and development of the Zamzama gas field was an indication that Pakistan was on the path of prosperity.
He said Zamzama had the fourth largest gas reserves in the country and added that three out of its five wells had a capacity to deliver 100 million cubic-feet gas per day.
He said the BHP had launched a trainee technician scheme to upgrade the skills of local people and hoped that this would prepare them to seek employment in the oil and gas industry.
Industries and Production Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi and Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar were prominent among those present.
REMOTE AREAS: Later, talking to delegations of union council Nazims, lawyers, traders, MPAs and MNAs at the Circuit House, the prime minister said the government was making efforts to provide basic facilities to the people of remote areas.
He held out the assurance that jobs would be provided to the educated youth in the multinational companies and government departments.
