Karachi, The welfare and prosperity of Balochistan’s people are a top priority for the government, emphasized Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar during a meeting in Islamabad today. Discussions focused on a range of developmental initiatives, including climate resilience in irrigation projects, the construction of the Khuzdar-Karachi highway, and the enhancement of educational and industrial sectors in the region.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of incorporating climate resilience and climate finance in all irrigation projects in Balochistan. He urged for expedited efforts on the construction of the two-lane Khuzdar-Karachi highway, highlighting its significance in providing an alternative route and enhancing connectivity across different parts of the country.
Kakar also addressed the financial challenges faced by public sector universities in Balochistan, directing immediate resolution. He proposed the formation of an inter-provincial committee, including caretaker ministers for Planning and interim chief ministers of Punjab and Balochistan, to oversee the Kachhi Canal project. The Prime Minister’s advice to construct check-dams for optimal utilization of water from mountain nullahs reflects a strategic approach towards resource management.
In a move to protect maritime resources, Kakar instructed the installation of tracker systems on trawlers to prevent illegal fishing in Pakistan’s territorial waters. He also called for a coordinated system, in collaboration with the National Highways and Motorways Police and NADRA, for vehicle registration and fitness.
The meeting also covered electoral transparency, with the Chief Secretary of Balochistan briefing on measures being taken to ensure fair elections, including adherence to all directives from the Election Commission of Pakistan. The ongoing digitization of tax revenue collections in Balochistan was highlighted as a key step towards efficiency and transparency.
Further discussions included initiatives to elevate mining to industry status, exemplified by the establishment of a special Rescue 1122 center in Quetta to assist miners. The introduction of a coordinated vehicle testing system aims to ensure safe travel on motorways, highways, and roads in Balochistan. The provincial government, in collaboration with the federal government, is also taking measures against illegal fishing activities.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the verification of all Balochistan Government employees’ data with NADRA to enhance administrative transparency. The session saw representation from Caretaker Provincial Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki, Education Minister Dr. Qadir Baloch, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir for the Balochistan Government, and Caretaker Planning Minister Sami Saeed, Caretaker Minister for Law and Water Resources Ahmed Irfan Aslam, among other high officials for the Federal Government.