QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has announced to convene international donors conference to attract foreign support and investment for development and prosperity of the least developed province of the country.
He made this announcement while giving post-budget briefing at Chief Minister's Secretariat on Friday. Parliamentary leader Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad and other high ups flanked him on the occasion.
“We want to show soft image of Balochistan to the outer world,” Dr Baloch said, adding that non governmental organisations would also be invited to get their input for a developed and prosperous Balochistan.
He, however, said that federal government should also come forward and help the provincial government in reducing poverty and unemployment.
In response to a question about the worsening law and order problem, he urged upon civil society and intelligence agencies to support his government's efforts for durable peace in the militancy-hit province.
The chief minister, moreover, admitted that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a realistic approach towards issues relating to Balochistan. “Federal government must translate its words into action for the sake of peace,” he added.
He also announced formation of task force to review the performance of government departments. “The task force will be submitting report after every three month,” he said, asking media men to pin point short comings and weaknesses in government departments.
Dr Baloch informed that tension in Wadh town of Khuzdar district has been reduced following cooperation of Balochistan National Party Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Mir Shafiqur Rehman Mengal. “Our efforts have normalised the situation in Khuzdar,” he explained.
Regarding education and health, he said the coalition government has increased funds for promotion of health and education sector to bring the province at par with other parts of the country.
He announced that modern library would be established on Jinnah Road, the heart of Quetta city, to provide an opportunity to students to get modern knowledge.
Dr Baloch said that his government has evolved a strategy for promotion of Balochi, Pashto and Brahvi languages and for this purpose the three languages would be introduced in schools of Balochistan.
“We do not believe in lip service rather practice,” he made it clear and added that an all-out efforts would be made to give relief to the terrorism hit people of Balochistan.