QUETTA/TURBAT: Prime Minister Imran Khan during his first ever visit to Balochistan, announced a mega development project for South Balochistan areas featuring construction of 1,100 KM roads, skill training to 35,000 youth and expansion of power and gas supply networks. During his day-long visit to Turbat, Balochistan, the prime minister also inaugurated Daar-ul-Ehsaas facility for the orphan and other poor children to provide them free shelter, food and education.
P.M also launched Waseela-e-Taleem programme, to help enrol additional 83,000 children in the schools and facilitate over 640,000 children through accelerated and distance learning programmes.
As Prime Minister, in his maiden visit to Balochistan Imran Khan performed the ground-breaking of various development projects, including extension of Turbat airport, 200-bed Makran Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Turbat and 146 kilometre Hoshab-Awaran section of M-8 motorway. The package comprises of construction of 210 basic health units and improved nutrition for 7,000 households under Ehsaas Nashonuma programme.
Establishment of six border markets, three dates processing units and an olive extraction unit are also part of the development package. Under the plan, 35,000 youth will be imparted skill training to enable them earn as freelancer besides extending internet facility to another 0.5 million people. Moreover, 16 dam will be constructed and 0.15 million acres land will be cultivated. The development plan is expected to create more than 120,000 jobs for the area where 0.7 million people of up to 35 years are unemployed.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced to introduce 4G Internet services and Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme in Balochistan for the benefit of common people. Addressing notables of South Balochistan in Turbat, he said young people, especially students of the province, can take maximum benefit from fast Internet facilities in the age of information technology.
The prime minister said under the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme the poor can get loans from designated banks on 5% interest to have their own house. Khan said it is part of his faith that no nation can progress unless it lifts its weaker segments.
He reiterated that his government’s objective to uplift Balochistan was not only limited to mere announcements of projects but that it would fully focus on its development and progress to bring the province on par with other parts of the country.
Highlighting importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for the development of Balochistan, Khan said Gwadar Port offers massive connectivity to China, which is the fastest progressing country in the world.
He said current volume of Chinese trade is around $2,000bn and Pakistan, especially Balochistan can benefit from this.
The PM said no loan in last four months was taken, while domestic market witnessed record sale of cement, iron, and automobiles, which shows upward trajectory of country’s economy.
During his day-long visit of Turbat, the premier performed laid the foundation stone for extension of Turbat Airport, 200-bed Makran Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Turbat Phase-II and Hoshab-Awaran Section of M-8.
The PM was also briefed about the progress on Basima-Khuzdar Road N-30 and Development Package for South Balochistan.
Khan inaugurated the Daar-ul-Ehsaas for orphaned and poor children where free shelter, food and education would be provided.
The PM also launched Ehsaas’ Educational Scholarships for deserving primary school girls and undergraduates under Waseela-e-Taleem programme.
Earlier addressing the youth in Turbat yesterday afternoon, Khan said the government was focusing on promotion of education and health sectors in the province as investment in the human capital is vital for national development.
He urged the students to focus on education and after completion of education to come forward and play pivotal role in the progress and prosperity of the province and country.
The PM appreciated the Punjab Government for enhancing scholarships for Balochistan students from 135 to 360.
He said equal development of all the federating units is essential for a stronger federation.