QUETTA: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that the army would provide full support to the federal and provincial governments for the execution and success of ‘Khush Hal Balochistan’ (KHB) programme.

The initiative aimed at development of the province was discussed at a meeting presided over by the army chief during his visit to the headquarters of Southern Command.

Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, Chief Secretary Aurangzeb Haq and other senior commanders and civilian officials attended the meeting.

Gen Bajwa and CM Zehri were briefed on the socio-economic and security environment of the province and the execution of the project.

All aspects in the security domain were approved by the army chief, but a few others that required further deliberation on staff level would be finalised over the next few days.

Gen Bajwa held out the assurance that the army would provide support to the federal and provincial governments for the success of the KHB initiative and said the programme was in fact ‘Khush Hal Balochistan-Khush Hal Pakistan’.

The chief minister praised the army for it contribution to improving stability in the province and extending support for the execution of the KHB plan.

Earlier, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had tweeted that the project was all set to be launched: “COAS at Qta. #KhushHalBln initiative aimed at enduring stability through socio-eco dev amp security being launched. High lvl meeting at HQ SC.”

During his visit to Quetta earlier this month, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had announced a 10-year development package for Balochistan.

Announcing the installation of liquefied natural gas plants in each district of the province, he had said: “The 10-year package for Balochistan will include natural gas, electricity, and water schemes.”

The premier had also assured the province of the Centre’s assistance in the fight against terrorism.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2017