QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said on Friday that a multi-dimensional strategy was being applied to counter terrorism in the province.
Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony held in connection with the Independence Day on the premises of Balochistan Assembly, he said that development of Pakistan was linked to the development of Balochistan.
He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would usher in an era of economic development in the region.
Acting Speaker of Balochistan Assembly Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo, provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly, Commander of Southern Commend Lt Gen Nasser Khan Janjua, Inspector General of FC Balochistan Maj Gen Sher Afgun, IGP Mohammad Amlish and other senior civil and military officials and tribal notables attended the ceremony.
The chief minister said that Independence Day celebrations had been continuing in the province for the past one week during which people showed enthusiasm and their love for the country. On this occasion, he added, every Pakistani should make a commitment with himself to work for the elimination of illiteracy, backwardness and poverty and to get rid of corruption.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had adopted a policy of peaceful Balochistan. The political and military leadership of the country had entrusted the task of reconciliation to the provincial government. The coalition government of the province, he added, would make all possible measures to resolve the issues of Balochistan through negotiations.
“There should be no more bloodshed in Balochistan,” he said, adding that the government’s policy of reconciliation would soon yield positive results.
He said the achievement of provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment in Constitution was the outcome of a long struggle. After the 18th Amendment provincial governments should utilise all powers for the welfare and prosperity of the masses.
“The government is serious in decentralisation of powers at union council level so that issues of people could be addressed at their doorstep,” he said.
The chief minister said that federal and provincial governments would make no compromise on Reko Diq and Saindak projects. “We will utilise all resources for the welfare and development of the people of Balochistan,” he said.