GWADAR: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has said that people involved in illegal distribution and allotment of lands in Gwadar will be brought to justice.

“Protection of coast and resources of Balochistan is our national responsibility,” the chief minister said at a ceremony held here on Wednesday to award land ownership rights to 797 people.

Land ownership rights have been awarded in Ismail Ward area of the port city which is stretched over 331 acres.

The chief minister said that National Party would fulfil all promises made during the election campaign last year.

He said some people in Gwadar had even got allotted land meant for roads and promised that all such people would be brought to justice.

Referring to reports about illegal fishing in Gwadar, he said fishermen were facing difficulties because of illegal trawlers. The government would take steps against illegal trawlers and would not allow anyone to play with the livelihoods of fishermen, he added.

The chief minister said the government would provide Rs500 million to Sord dam project which would ensure smooth supply of water to Gwadar. An amount of Rs1 billion had been allocated for the construction of Shadi Kor dam and work on Pasni Fish Harbour, which had been in pending for many years, would be initiated, he added.

He said a girls’ college would be established in Gwadar and added that the government was making efforts to provide all basic facilities to people. “Our vision is clear. We believe in practical work and not mere in slogans,” he added.

The chief minister called upon teachers, doctors and other government servants to discharge their duties with utmost commitment and realise their responsibilities.

He announced that people with low income in Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni and Ormara would be given houses on easy instalments. He announced a grant of Rs1 million for the Gwadar Municipal Committee.

Balochistan Chief Secretary Saifullah Chathha also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2014