ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: Balochistan is a potential economic hub of Pakistan and efforts are under way to bring less developed areas of the province on a par with other parts of the country.

This was stated by Acting President Mohammedmian Soomro during a presentation by the Planning Division on mega projects of Balochistan, says a press release. The presentation was made to keep members of the Senate abreast of the development activities in Balochistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the acting president said such interaction was vital to provide necessary feedback to government functionaries and enable them to prepare developmental strategies, mobilising available resources to bring about qualitative changes in the lives of the people.

He underlined the need for joint efforts to create conducive environment for investors in the country. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Akram Sheikh gave a briefing on various projects in Balochistan such as Saindak copper gold project, Dalband iron ore project, Mirani Dam, Sabakzi Dam, Kachchi Canal, Makran Coastal Highway, Gwadar Port, Gwadar-Khuzdar Highway, Quetta water supply and environment improvement programme and rural electrification programme.

He informed the meeting that work on Gwadar Port was expected to finish by September 2005. Mirani Dam and Sabakzi Dam will be completed by the end of 2008. Connecting Balochistan with the Central Asian states would pave the way for economic prosperity in the country, particularly in Balochistan, he said.

It was suggested that training and development of human resource be made an integral part of the overall developmental strategy as it would benefit the common man. Acting Chairman Senate Khalilur Rehman, Ministers of State Mir Muhammad Naseer Mengal, Tariq Azeem Khan, Senators Mushahid Hussain Sayed and others also attended the meeting.