ISLAMABAD, Aug 2: Development projects in Balochistan came under spotlight on Thursday when the government directed the finance ministry to immediately release Rs6 billion to complete the Kachhi Canal project this year.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf chaired a meeting held to review the ongoing development projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and decided to focus efforts and pool resources for expeditious completion of the canal project.

The project covers Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts in Punjab and Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Bolan and Jhal Magsi areas in Balochistan.

The meeting also decided to complete Dadu-Khuzdar transmission line on a fast-track basis. It was decided that the Kalat-Quetta-Chaman road would also be completed this year.

The prime minister also ordered completion of Kalat-Ratodero, Khori-Qubi Saeed Khan and Gwadar-Ratodero roads.