LAHORE: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan along with a delegation called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar here on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, extending cooperation between Punjab and Balochistan in various sectors as well as measures taken for promoting inter-provincial harmony.

Both the chief ministers reiterated their resolve to serve the people with more zeal and zest in the new year, and agreed to counter all the problems and remove all the hurdles to public service.

Mr Buzdar said the Punjab government would extend all-out cooperation in the development of Balochistan and prosperity of the Baloch people. Highlighting importance of the geographically largest province of the country, he said the development of Pakistan was linked with the development of Balochistan. He added that a special quota had been allocated for Baloch students in educational institutions of Punjab and those in higher educational institutions were being offered stipends.

He disclosed that the Punjab government would construct a cardiac hospital in Quetta with Rs2 billion as a gift for the Baloch.

He further said that communication links between the two provinces would also be improved. He added that restoration work on Mir Chakar-i-Azam Rind Shrine in Okara was being speedily carried out and funds have been released on priority for this purpose.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2019