QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on Thursday dispelled the impression that Gwadar port city was being sealed through fencing and termed it the opposition’s propaganda.

Talking to journalists after atten­ding a function on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Policy, the chief minister claimed that the entire port city was open except some areas where barbed wires had been laid by the government to provide extra security because of a recent incident.

He said the opposition was giving a wrong impression and it was misleading the people on the issue.

“We are taking steps in some areas of Gwadar to provide extra security and the entire port city is open except these areas and there is no problem for anybody,” Mr Alyani said.

He said that in view of the incident and on demand of the people some areas were being provided extra security by laying barbed wire, adding that Gwadar had great economic importance for the country and enemies of Pakistan wanted to hit it.

Chief minister rejects opposition propaganda

He said that providing fool-proof security to Gwadar was similar to a plan launched for the provincial capital with the name of Quetta safe city.

In reply to a question about resignations of some opposition lawmakers from the provincial assembly, he said that their resignations would not affect working of the coalition government as it was enjoying the support of 42 members in a house of 65 members.

He asked opposition members to submit their resignation to the speaker of the assembly as it was a proper forum for acceptance of their resignations.

Earlier, speaking at the Gender Equality and Women Empower­ment Policy function, Mr Alyani said that positive and constructive role of women in the building and development of any society could not be overlooked and in Pakistan their role was very important as women comprised half of the country’s population.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2020