QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri paid rich tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam on Friday, saying it was because of his leadership and great efforts that Pakistan came into being.

Addressing a flag hoisting ceremony held at the Ziarat Residency to celebrate the Quaid’s birthday, the chief minister urged the nation to follow the Quaid’s principles of unity, faith and discipline.

He said that development of the province would be accorded priority. “We will launch mega projects to put Balochistan on track of development,” he said and added that due to the efforts and sacrifices of armed forces and law-enforcement agencies peace had returned to the province

Mr Zehri said that Quaid-i-Azam had dreamt of a country in which all segments of society should have equal rights.

He noted that tourism could help boost the province’s economy and said that a chairlift would be installed in Ziarat to attract tourists.

He also announced Rs10 million for development projects in town and another Rs100,000 for schoolchildren.

Inspector General Frontier Corps, Maj Gen Sher Afgan said it was the responsibility of every citizen to play his due role for the development and protection of the country.

He said that law-enforcement institutions had restored peace to Balochistan with the help and cooperation of people. “There is not a single no-go area in Balochistan today,” Maj Gen Afgan claimed, adding that civil and military leadership was on the same page for elimination of terrorism from the country.

Former information minister Abdul Rehim Ziaratwal underlined the need for ensuring equal rights to all the federating units keeping in view the Quaid’s vision.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2015