GWADAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced the provision of 200 acres of land for the establishment of a residential colony for the fishermen of Gwadar, besides the distribution of 2,000 motorboat engines to help them earn a livelihood.
The prime minister stated this in an interaction with local fishermen at Gwadar Business Centre during his day-long visit to the port city.
The measures were announced in view of the problems faced by the fishermen of Gwadar in the shape of displacement and difficulty in access to the sea that was affecting the fishery sector.
The prime minister said his second visit within a month was aimed at holding direct interaction with the fishermen and get their feedback on the issues being faced by them. To ensure merit-based distribution of marine engines among the fishermen, he directed the Planning Ministry to define a criterion with a set of parametres at the earliest.
The process of transparent bidding, he said, would be carried out within three months in line with the PEPRA Rules. PM Shehbaz assured the fishermen of addressing their problems on priority, saying the development of the province was “meaningless” without resolution of the problems of the locals. It was the government responsibility to address the challenges faced by the locals, he added.
He said the Federal Government would take the provincial government on board for consultations on the development projects.
On supply of clean drinking water, he said the Gwadar Development Authority had given assurance to complete the process of laying new pipes by September. Regarding electricity, the prime minister said 29-kilometre-long transmission lines for supply of 100 mega watts from Iran was delayed by the previous government, whereas the Iranian side had completed the project on its side.
He said the government would bring the matter before the cabinet for approval to ensure availability of power for Balochistan.
He said it would develop a base-load of electricity and would be later supplemented by solar projects. An announcement would soon be made on the provision of solar panels to the people of Balochistan, he added.
He lauded the sacrifices of local people by braving the challenges during the construction of Gwadar Port, which was a harbinger for their prosperity.
The PM said the establishment of Gwadar University had been included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and maximum funds would be provided for the education of students at par with rest of the country.
He mentioned that the Federal Government allocated a massive amount of Rs 100 billion in the PSDP for the development of Balochistan. Terming the four provinces brothers, he emphasized the importance of sharing resources among them for a win-win situation for all.
The prime minister said China was a closet friend of Pakistan, dispelling the impression that the Chinese projects in Pakistan had any semblance with those of the “East India Company” during the British Raj.
He said China had always supported Pakistan at diplomatic and economic levels, and urged the people of Balochistan to value the foreign investors whose contribution was significant to the development of Pakistan.
The prime minister also listened to the grievances pointed out by fishermen on the occasion and assured them their redressal on priority.
Earlier, he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on establishment of a 100-bed hospital with collaboration of GDA and Indus Hospital.
The world-class hospital will provide medical facilities to the people of Gwadar and adjoining areas.
PM, BIZENJO DISCUSS POLITICAL SITUATION
Balochistan CM Abdul Quddus Bizenjo called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Friday.
Administrative matters of the province as well as the political situation were discussed in the meeting. CM Bijenjo appreciated the Prime Minister for visiting Gwadar twice in a month and his vision of giving priority to the development of Gwadar.
He also welcomed the government’s decision of providing targeted subsidy on five essential items during the next fiscal year and the Prime Minister direction for increasing the number of Utility Stores in Balochistan.
SATTAR’S MOTHER DEATH CONDOLED
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed grief over the death of the mother of Farooq Sattar, leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement. The prime minister prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and for grant of patience to the bereaved family.
