QUETTA, Jan 20: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Monday that the government is preparing a relief package for drought-hit areas of Balochistan, that would be announced soon.

Speaking at a meeting of Balochistan cabinet, he said planning would be made for brining Balochistan at par with other provinces and added that the government would also provide financial assistance to the province for its development.

He directed the cabinet members to prepare projects for collective benefit of the masses.

He said democracy had been restored after three years and it was incumbent on the parliamentarians to live up to the expectations of the people who had elected them.

The prime minister said the government had announced a relief package for poor families under which they could get Rs2,500 per month. Mark-up for pensioners had been enhanced up to 11 per cent and electricity charges had been cut by 12 paisa per unit, which would be implemented before Eid, he said.

He said a special package for widows and poor would be announced within a few weeks. “My government is taking all such steps that could provide relief to people across the board,” he said.

He said coalition governments were functioning in Balochistan, Sindh and the Centre and urged the partners to make efforts for making their governments a success through cooperation and understanding.

Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammed Yousaf thanked the prime minister for initiating his official visits from the province and expressed his hope that the country, especially Balochistan, would make rapid progress under his leadership.

The prime minister was given a detailed briefing on law and order situation in the province.—APP