QUETTA: Consolidation of democratic process in the country has contributed positively towards peace and socio-economic development in the province.

Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai expressed these views during a meeting on Wednesday with the president of Foreign Affairs Committee of Belgian Parliament, Dirk Van der Maelen. According to a statement, Mr Achakzai is currently on a tour of four European countries.

Reports issued here said that Mr Achakzai briefed Mr Dirk about the ongoing development process and restoration of law and order along with reduction in terrorism incidents in the province.

The government unveiled Balochistan Education Sector Plan 2013-18 along with passing a Compulsory Education Act in 2014, Governor Achakzai informed the meeting.

Balochistan was preparing to become the hub of economic activity which would benefit all, he said, adding: “Gwadar can become a key transit and trans-shipment hub in the entire region and would create 40,000 jobs once it becomes fully operational.”

He added that industrial zones had been proposed for major cities including Quetta, Khuzdar, Gwadar, Uthal, Hub and Dera Murad Jamali. However, special economic zones for mining had also been proposed for Khuzdar, Chagai, Qila Saifullah, Saindak, Reko Diq, Kalat and Lasbela.

Mr Achakzai also referred to satisfactory progress in cooperation with the European Union. He said that together with the EU, a six-year Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment Programme had been chalked out to reduce the impact of economic deprivation, poverty, environmental degradation and climate change.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Naghmana A. Hashmi also attended the meeting.

Sajjad Karim, a member of the European Parliament and chair of the Pakistan Friendship Group, hosted a luncheon meeting for Governor Achakzai at the European Parliament. The event was attended by a large number of parliamentarians.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2017