QUETTA, Oct 7: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday urged the Balochistan government to take measures for improving fiscal discipline and financial control to ensure optimum utilization of public funds.

Speaking to the provincial cabinet members, he said the federal government would provide more funds than the right of the province for development.

He said the province could not progress rapidly without adopting a system based on merit.

He urged the provincial and district governments to resolve their differences through mutual understanding. “We want to run this system smoothly in the larger interest of the people,” he said about the local government system.

He said new garrisons brought development and economic activities besides providing security and civic facilities.

The president said the difference between the ‘A’ and ‘B’ areas in Balochistan would be abolished to bring uniformity in the exercise of law. He said the police force was being reorganized in the province and the Balochistan constabulary would be set up.

He said the Gwadar port would be a hub of economic activities and benefit the local population.

He asked the provincial ruling coalition partners to cooperate with each other and remain united and under the leadership of Chief Minister Jam Mohammed Yousaf.

Talking to a delegation of district nazims, the president said steps would be taken for early resolution of their problems.

Speaking to officers and jawans at the Quetta garrison, Gen Musharraf said the armed forces were prepared to meet any eventuality and they would be equipped with modern equipment.

He said there was a phased programme for the induction of Al Khalid and Al Zarar tanks, Fighter-17 (Thunder) aircraft and modern submarines and warships in two to three years.

He said billions of rupees were being spent on large projects, which would generate tremendous job opportunities and help eradicate poverty.

He underlined the need for improving the security environment to encourage foreign investment.

He termed sectarian violence and religious extremism major obstacles in the country’s progress and reiterated the resolve to deal with the issues.