ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the government is giving top priority to the uplift of under-developed regions, particularly Balochistan, where the development schemes have been launched.He said besides enhanced allocation of funds under the 7th NFC Award, Balochistan has been given extra funds to accelerate the pace of development and bring it at par with the developed regions of the country.The Prime Minister was talking to Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Governor Balochistan who called on him at the PM House here.The Prime Minister directed the concerned officers to make sure that adequate funds are disbursed to the province well in time so that the development schemes could be completed in a stipulated time.The Prime Minister also instructed to allocate funds for the construction of Naulong Dam Project, and for repair and extension of Kerther, Khichi and Petfeeder Canals.He said that Rs 1.5 Billion had been allocated in the next year’s PSDP for Khichi Canal.The Prime Minister said that IRSA had started releasing 1000 cusec water in the Kerther Canal for irrigation of Balochistan. He said that work on strengthening of dykes and embankment of canals damaged during the last year’s floods has already been started which will be completed before the start of the next rainy season. He also informed that funds for repair of Begari Canal had been released.The Prime Minister instructed that the Federal share of funds for Jhal Magsi Road should be allocated in the next year’s PSDP. He said that instructions have already been issued to complete the on-going schemes where 60 percent work has already been done so that the economic benefit from completion of these schemes could reach the people of the region.
The Governor Balochistan apprised the Prime Minister about the progress on the various development schemes launched in the province.He informed the Prime Minister that gas reserves have already been confirmed through test wells and asked the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for its exploitation to overcome the gas shortage.He stated that law and order situation in this area is normal, therefore, there would be no hindrance in the drilling. The political and law and order situation was also discussed during the meeting. – Brecorder
