QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of a project worth Rs100 million to establish business incubation centres, hostels and bazaars in the province for women.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that unfortunately schools, colleges, infrastructure and dams were built during the previous governments but poor financial management did not yield any results for the common man. He said that lack of planning barred completion of development schemes even after a passage of 15 years.

“Instead of blaming previous regimes, the provincial government is focused on its future goals in order to ensure development in Balochistan. We have been reviewing the needs of public departments and moving forward with effective mechanisms,” the chief minister said, adding that the government was looking for investment opportunities.

He added that the provincial authorities had commenced construction of a 2,500km highway in Balochistan that would be completed in the next five years.

Talking about the importance of women’s contribution to societal development, he said that the government had established women hostels, incubation centres and bazaars in all districts.

“Change will take time because we are attempting to enhance self-sufficiency of Balochistan by utilising our own resources on public development,” Jam Kamal said.

Addressing the ceremony, provincial finance minister Zahoor Buledi slammed the opposition over inappropriate criticism on the provincial government’s performance and said that instead of hurling accusations they should visit the province and see the ground reality. Women Development Secretary Saira Atta also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2020