QUETTA, Dec 12: The federal government has promised to increase the price of gas produced in Balochistan from Rs26 to Rs126 per cubic feet in the next National Finance Commission Award to enhance the province’s financial resources.

This was disclosed in Balochistan cabinet’s first meeting held here on Thursday and presided over by Chief Minister, Jam Mir Mohammad Yousaf.

The meeting was informed that the federal government had increased financial resources of Balochistan, which comprised royalty and excise duty on natural gas.

The price of gas had already been increased from Rs9 to Rs26 per cubic feet, and in the next National Finance Commission Award it would be further raised.

The cabinet discussed various issues including development programme, law and order, and reduction in the financial deficit of the province.

It was decided that Islamabad would be approached for waving off the interest on the value of wheat purchased in 1991-92 through the federal government.

The cabinet was briefed about the annual development programme, financial position, and law and order in the province.

The meeting also took decisions on subjects like the shifting of Balochistan Coastal Development Authority head office from Karachi to Gwadar.

The cabinet was informed that the current budget was Rs28 billion, of which Rs20 billion was for non-development expenditure.

The meeting was informed that the ADP included 229 current and 293 new schemes in 29 sectors. Fifty-two per cent of the ADP budget had since been released.

During a briefing on the law and order in the province, the cabinet was informed about the steps being taken to improve the situation.

In addition, reforms would be introduced in the police department to make it more effective, it was further informed.

The meeting also discussed provision of jobs to local people in the maga projects including Gwadar deep-water port and decided to contact the federal government in the matter.

The chief minister speaking on the occasion directed the police to improve law and order and warned that in future police officers would be held responsible for crimes occurring in their respective areas.

Senior government officials including Chief Secretary, Balochistan, Pervez Saleem attended the meeting.