January 06, 2008	Sunday	Zilhaj 26, 1428

QUETTA, Jan 5: Balochistan caretaker Chief Minister Sardar Mohammad Saleh Bhootani has said that the federal government has formed a committee to resolve the issues of gas development surcharge and gas royalty.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday after attending a meeting in Islamabad that was presided over by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, he said that the committee would discuss all aspects relating to the Gawadar Development Authority and the royalty issue and find a solution acceptable to all stakeholders.

“The committee will prepare a consensus formula in minimum time,” Sardar Bhootani said and added that Balochistan would get maximum funds for its development when the issue was resolved.

The chief minister said he had brought to notice of the federal government financial problems being faced by the province.

He said the province would not be able to bear the financial burden when levies forces were merged with the police department.

He said that Balochistan had suffered a loss of Rs16 billion owing to cyclone and floods that hit its 23 districts out of 29.

He said the federal government would provide this amount to the province for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the destroyed houses and other infrastructure.

He said that the federal government had appreciated ‘transparent’ distribution of Rs800 millions among victims of flood and cyclone.

Referring to development projects of the province, he said the federal government would provide Rs30 billion more for the construction of highways and other roads in the province.

He said that with this amount the volume of amount spending on road and communication would reach Rs100 billion.

He said that caretaker minister for planning and development Nawabzada Saifullah Khan Magsi, secretary finance, additional chief secretary planning and development, special secretary to the prime minister Dr Waqar and deputy chairman planning commission would be members of the special committee.