QUETTA: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has announced establishment of a 100-bed hospital in Turbat and a complex for pilgrims at Taftan at a cost of Rs1 billion.

He said this while speaking to tribal elders and officials at a reception during his visit to Pishin along with Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on Thursday.

Mr Buzdar handed over a cheque for Rs1bn to the Balochistan chief minister.

The hospital will cost Rs750 million and the complex for pilgrims at Pak-Afghan border in Taftan Rs250m.

Mr Buzdar said the hospital and complex would become a memento of cooperation, love and understanding between the people of Punjab and Balochistan.

“We are one and the nefarious designs of those who want to spread hatred will be defeated,” he said, adding that his government did not believe in lip service but in doing practical work.

“Balochistan is my second home as my native district has border with the Musakhail area,” he added.

The Punjab chief minister said his government would extend all help and cooperation to the government and people of Balochistan.

In his address of welcome, the Balochistan chief minister thanked Mr Buzdar for deciding to set up a hospital in Turbat and a complex for pilgrims in Taftan.

Mr Alyani said with the visit of Mr Buzdar a new era of cordial relations between the two provinces would start. He said the people of Balochistan held emotional attachment with their brothers in Punjab.

“We will resolve the problems of our people by making efforts jointly.”

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2020