QUETTA: Head of the commission on minorities’ rights Dr Shoaib Suddle called on Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani at the CM Secretariat here on Thursday and discussed issues relating to protection of the rights of minorities and steps taken for their social and economic betterment.

MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar, Parliamentary Secretary for Minority Affairs Dhanish Kumar, Minority Affairs Secretary Abdul Fateh Bhangar and Special Secretary Asfandyar Baloch were present on the occasion.

Dr Suddle said the one-commission was constituted in January 2019 in the light of the directives of the Supreme Court. He said the present government was paying special attention to the promotion of religious harmony in Balochistan and protection of the rights of minorities and their welfare.

The government has set up a separate department for minority affairs to provide an effective platform for development and prosperity of the minorities’ community.

The chief minister said the minorities played an important role in the development of Balochis­tan and the situation of interfaith harmony in the province was ideal. He said a huge amount of money had been allocated for the places of worship and welfare of the minorities’ community and new development projects for them would also be included in the next annual development plan.

“The present government is taking measures for socio-economic development of minorities and implementation of five per cent quota for them in government jobs has been ensured,” CM Alyani said.

Dr Shoaib Suddle appreciated the steps taken by the Balochistan government for the protection of the rights and interests of minorities and their welfare.

The meeting also discussed issues relating to bringing a resolution for appointment of chairman for the Abandoned Waqf Property Board, setting up a hostel for Hindu pilgrims in Kalat and providing facilities to the pilgrims from Balochistan in Kartarpur corridor.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2021