Govt prioritizing development projects in Balochistan: PM
News Report
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the uplift of the people of Balochistan is among the top priorities of the Government.
Premier further said that the Government has prioritized the projects according to their impact on the livelihood of the people of Balochistan.
Infrastructural development, Development in Agriculture, Fisheries, Power sector, and subsidy on basic amenities including Ehsaas programs are gradually gaining pace.
Industrialization and the establishment of processing plants are being expedited for the economic uplift of the locals.
He said that the government was ensuring the protection of local fishermen by curbing illegal trawling activities is being ensured.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting to review the progress on development projects in Balochistan in Islamabad.
The meeting was given a comprehensive overview regarding Improvement in Governance Structure, Execution of Government to Government Projects, Fisheries Sector, Command Area Development, Agriculture Sector, and establishment of Nursing Colleges.
Officials also briefed Road Networks, Power Sector Projects, Projects by Maritime Affairs IT and Telecom Sector, Industries and Production and Development projects in Gawadar.
Governance
Out of the total 161 projects, a total of 59 projects will be completed in the current fiscal year.
The goal is being achieved by improved monitoring and governance both at the provincial and federal levels.
“Expeditious execution of the projects should be ensured along with the establishment of a robust permanent structure that will ensure the development of deprived areas of Balochistan in the long run,” said the Prime Minister.
Road Structure
The meeting was briefed that a total of 3788 Km of road infrastructure is being developed in Balochistan to improve connectivity.
The said projects are already ahead of the timelines ascertained for these projects. Moreover, 796 Km Karachi, Quetta Chaman road project is also underway and the on-ground work will commence very soon.
Fisheries Sector
One of the major concerns of the local fishermen was of the illegal fishing trawlers that have been addressed on a priority basis by improved patrolling by the concerned agencies.
This has also resulted in the conservation of the fishing stock. In addition to that Ministry of Maritime Affairs in collaboration with the Kamyab Jawan Program is providing loans to local fishermen for the improvement of techniques and their boats which includes the installation of a Vehicle Monitoring system.
Command Area Development
To efficiently manage the water resources and development of the agriculture sector in the province, Command Area Development projects are expedited along with other development projects in Balochistan.
The meeting was told that The Katchi canal project is near to its completion. In addition to the above, a Foot and Mouth Disease Free area is being established whereby not only the cattle will be vaccinated, but also proper facilities will be established to meet the international standards for the export of processed meat.
This will not only generate foreign exchange by increasing exports but also will generate jobs.
Power and Petroleum
The meeting was briefed on progress regarding ongoing power projects, including both mega projects and off-grid projects. Distribution of 3000 solar panels will commence soon.
Along with that, a subsidy on LPG is proposed that will help the locals and resolve the issues pertaining to energy demands. Ministry of Maritime Affairs informed the meeting about progress on the import of Virtual Pipeline LNG whereby licenses are being granted that will further improve the gas situation in the province, especially Gawadar.
IT Sector and Distance Learning
The meeting was updated that till now, 6372 training have been given to the local youth that has empowered them regarding tech-related jobs. Moreover, a program including 35000 pieces of training is being launched that will train the youth regarding free-lancing and other market competitive tech courses.
Air-Connectivity
The meeting was briefed that the project of development of Turbat Airport is on bidding stage and steps are being taken to increase flight operations between Turbat, Gawadar, and Quetta.
Industrial Development Projects in Balochistan
The meeting was briefed about the progress on Date processing plants in Turbat, meat processing plants, Metal Park, including the areas of Chaghi, Khuzdar, Lasbeela, and Gawadar.
In addition, the government is engaging the private sector for a cost-sharing model of Olive oil extraction plants in Khuzdar and other areas of the province.
Moreover, the project of the establishment of the boating industry in Gwadar is underway with all stakeholders on board. The purpose of the project is to modernize the existing fleet of boats belonging to local fishermen.
The meeting was also informed about the establishment of a 1.2 Million gallon water plant in Gwadar which is expected to be completed before summer this year.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned stakeholders to speed up the projects, especially those that have a high impact on the livelihoods of the locals.
