QUETTA: Commander of Southern Command, Lt Gen Aamer Riaz, has said that Pakistan Army wants to see Balochistan emerge as a peaceful and economically thriving province moving on the path of progress and prosperity.

He was addressing a ceremony held in the University of Balochistan on Monday to screen short films produced by students and distribute prizes among winners of a competition of short films.

Local people would be major beneficiaries of mega development projects undertaken in various parts of the province, he said.

Also read: Joint efforts have brought Balochistan out of crisis, say army, govt

Gen Aamer stressed the need for fostering tolerance and harmony in society to defeat “anti-peace elements” and end violence. “All stakeholders will have to make joint efforts to bring an end to violence and extremism, curb corruption and eliminate social evils if we want a thriving and developing Pakistan.”

Nations are built by noble values and traditions and not with material things, he said and added that the country had a bright and enlightened future.

He urged the youth and students to strive for establishing a society which followed the principles of justice, honesty and hard work.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Javed Iqbal also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the commander distributed prizes among the winners of the competition.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2015