Development of Balochistan is key priority of the Government: Makdum Khusro Bakhtyar

Dated : 13 December 2018

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform (PD&R) Makdum Khusro Bakhtyar met Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan at Balochistan House here on Thursday.

Senators and Members National Assembly from Balochistan were also present on the occasion.

Both the leaders discussed preparation and agenda for the next Joint Cooperation Committee meeting of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), scheduled on 20th of December, next week at Beijing, China.

Western Route is one of the important projects of CPEC and its Zhob-D I Khan section is part of JCC agenda, highlighted Minister PD&R. He said that implementation of the project would open up and ensure socio-economic development of the remote regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Minister further said that substantial progress is expected on Gwadar projects during 8th JCC. Implementation of four important projects of Gwadar including New Gwadar Airport, Hospital, Technical Institute and 300 MW Power Plant projects is important deliverable of the forthcoming CPEC apex body meeting.

Minister further said that Pakistan and China have agreed to initiate socio-economic development projects in the less developed areas of the country under CPEC where in Balochistan would be given adequate share. Projects in this important sector would be implemented during next three years, he added.

Minister highlighted that mega projects in infrastructure and water sectors in Balochistan would also be implemented through public sector development program (PSDP).

The Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan has expressed satisfaction over inclusion of Western Route project in the agenda of JCC. He said that completion of CPEC infrastructure and social sector projects with the support of Federal Government would pave a way for the development of Balochistan. He said that construction of water sector projects would help to control sever water scarcity in this province.