Projects to be protected: CM

Published July 23, 2004

QUETTA, July 22: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf said on Wednesday that some people living in areas adjoining the province's international border were involved in recent rocket attacks.

Jam Yousuf told newsmen that investigations had revealed that some elements were paying people in the border areas for subversive activities.

He said the government had taken serious notice of rocket attacks in cities near the border. He said strict safety measures were being taken to curb terrorists. He said the government would not allow anyone to attack national installations and development projects launched in the province for the welfare of the people.

He said all the political parties in the province had demanded the construction of the Mirani Dam and the government had implemented the project.

He said that with the completion of the project, a large number of jobs would be created in the area and over 32,000 acres would be irrigated. He said those who were opposing the project did not want development of any area in Balochistan, including Makran.

He said the Kachhi canal project would be implemented soon and it would bring a green revolution in the province.

The chief minister said the people in Gwadar wanted speedy development to protect their future.

He said the town would become a hub of industrial and trade activities and work was in progress to link it with other areas of Pakistan and neighbouring countries through rail and road.

He said foreign and local investors were taking interest in investing in Gwadar and the government would provide all possible facilities and protection to them.

Replying to a question, he said the government had ordered an investigation into misuse of funs in the Water and Sanitation Authority and those found involved in it would face strict action.

He said action would be taken against those mine owners who were found violating the Mines Safety Act and a bill in this connection would soon be moved in the provincial assembly.

He asked mine owners to pay compensation to the heirs of the victims of mine accidents.