Balochistan has the capacity to store double the amount of water than Tarbela Dam: Dr. Abdul Maalik Baloch

Lahore: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Maalik Baloch, while addressing a press conference in Lahore, has said that Balochistan has the capacity to store double the amount of water than Tarbela Dam,work is being carried out expeditiously on Katchi canal project due to which seven lakh acre land will become cultivable.

He said that Pak-China corridor is a historic project which will open avenue of progress and prosperity from Gwadar to Kashgar and will leave a deep positive impact on the area.

Dr. Abdul Maalik Baloch expressed the confidence that Reko Diq and other mining projects will be completed speedily. Stressing the need of increasing resources of Balochistan, he said that the total budget of the province is Rs. 45 billion whereas a sum of 55 billion rupees is required only for education sector. He said that measures are being taken on war footing to resolve energy crisis and federal government has extended more help and assistance to the province than the past.

He said that as a result of the free hand given to him by the political and military leadership the situation in Balochistan has substantially improved during the last two years and crime rate has reduced by 40 percent due to collective efforts.

He said that poverty, unemployment and shortage of resources are the main problems of the province. He said that Balochistan is rich in mineral resources and there is a need to utilize them through a proper strategy. He said that five new medical colleges and two universities have been set up in the province and he has requested Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif during a meeting to give admission to all students of Balochistan in educational institutions. He said that five thousand teachers are being recruited in Balochistan through NTS which is an important event in the history of the province.

He said that a justice has been appointed as Chairman of Balochistan Public Service Commission with the approval of all parties. Similarly, he said, through School Bharo and Goodbye to Cheating campaign, a considerable improvement has been brought about in education sector.

Dr. Abdul Maalik Baloch said that despite being member of a small party, he as chief minister, full support of Pakistan Muslim League-N and other political parties which is a big change in itself.

Replying to a question, Chief Minister Balochistan said that with the help of National Highways and federal government, mega projects are being executed from Loralei to Dera Ghazi Khan and Zhob to Dera Ismail Khan and ECNEC has approved a project of Rs. 11 billion on Gawadar. He said that export promotion zones from Gawadar to Pisni, Jueni and Gawadar Airport are being set up with the cooperation of China.