QUETTA: The Balochistan Apex Committee at a meeting held in Islamabad on Friday reviewed the progress of work on a special package announced by the federal government for southern districts of the province.
The participants of the meeting stressed the need for accelerating the pace of work on the package.
Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo called upon the federal government to release the package as early as possible.
Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr Jahanzeb Khan, Balochistan Chief Secretary Mathar Niaz Rana, Principal Secretary Lal Jan Jaffar and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Chief Secretary Rana and other officials briefed the meeting on the progress of work on development projects included in the southern Balochistan package.
Chief Minister Bizenjo directed the officials to expedite the work on the projects included in the package for nine districts in southern Balochistan. He termed the package an important step towards development of southern Balochistan, saying that it will help in removing backwardness in the area and bring a positive change to the lifestyle of the people.
He said areas in southern Balochistan were neglected in the past. According to him, the people of southern Balochistan are very happy over the announcement of the package by the federal government and they are looking forward to see development and prosperity in their areas. The chief minister said the development package included establishment of new markets in border areas of Balochistan, adding that these markets will create employment opportunities in these areas.
He said that at the request of the Balochistan government, Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised to announce a similar special development package for northern Balochistan. Under the southern Balochistan package, Rs600 billion will be spent on different projects.
Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2022
