ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Monday inaugurated the ‘Kassa Hills Marble Project’ in Zhob district of Balochistan. The Chief Minister Balochistan, notables and a large number of locals also attended the ceremony, says an ISPR press release.The ‘Kassa Hills Marble Project’ has been initiated by Pakistan Army with the cooperation of the provincial government and locals of the area for social and economic development of Balochistan.Chief of Army Staff in his address highlighted Army’s contributions towards social progress of Balochistan.He referred to Chamalang Education Programme, Sui Education City, Balochistan and Gwadar Institutes of Technical Education as well as the Army’s drive for enhanced recruitment from Balochistan.Concrete measures had been taken to sustain these initiatives which are contributing positively towards better education and creation of job opportunities for common people of the province.He thanked the locals and the Ppovincial government for their whole hearted support. The Chief Minister Balochistan appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts for stability and development of the province.
It is worth mentioning that ‘Kassa Hills Marble Project’ was planned in early nineties but excavation of marble reserves in Kassa Hills remained stalled due to intra tribal dispute.
Army was requested for mediation between the hostile tribes by the government of Balochistan. The conflict was resolved after Pakistan Army mediation and Kassa Agreement was signed in July 2010.The project is run by a committee with representation of tribal elders, Balochistan government and Pakistan Army. Agreement guarantees fair distribution of income amongst the members of Alizai Tribe will help in social sector development of the area and the province.Earlier on his arrival, the Chief of Army Staff was received by Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Javed Zia – APP
