SOHBATPUR: Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso expressed the hope on Saturday that the elected federal and provincial governments would strive to resolve the social and economic issues confronting the people of Balochistan.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the upgradation of Sohbatpur to district, the prime minister said the resolution of problems would help the province play its role in national development.

Retired Justice Khoso said there were speculations regarding the elections when the caretaker government assumed charge, but it had concentrated on its sole mandate — holding of free and fair polls.

“I believe that only public representatives can bring about prosperity and ensure welfare of the nation.”

He thanked all parties for taking part in the elections and cooperating with the caretaker government.

The prime minister also thanked the civil and military institutions for their efforts to ensure peaceful elections.

“I also salute the people of Pakistan who have proved their liking for democracy by casting votes,” he said.

He said the government was cognisant of the people’s sufferings and was taking all possible measures to address them.

The country was facing numerous internal and external challenges which could only be tackled through coordinated efforts, he said.

The caretaker government had not set aside the public issues and had immediately released funds to improve the power supply, he said.

He said the federal government had banned air conditioners in its offices to conserve energy and expressed hope that the new government would take effective steps for a durable solution to the problem.

He said all health-related departments had been brought together to improve coordination among the federal and provincial governments.

Prime Minister Khoso said that by upgrading Sohbatpur to the district level would help the people of the area get their issues resolved without delay.

He said establishment of a university campus in the area would enrich the agricultural and business activity besides creating jobs.

Mr Khoso said the federal and provincial governments were working on a plan to mitigate the losses caused by floods and to avert their recurrence.–APP