Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday announced a 10-year "mega development programme" for Balochistan to bring the province on a par with the others.

The premier had arrived in Quetta earlier in the day to review the law and order situation and ongoing development projects initiated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also held a high-level meeting at the Governor House in Quetta.

Under the newly-announced development project, all union councils in the province will receive electricity, water, gas, health and educational facilities, PM Abbasi told reporters. He added that the federal government would provide 50 per cent of the funds for the plan while the provincial government would finance the remaining half.

The premier also announced the installation of 11 liquefied natural gas plants in different parts of the province at the cost of Rs200 million.

He also addressed the lack of facilities available for Shia pilgrims visiting Iran via road, and promised that the government will ensure that all kinds of facilities are provided to travellers at the Pak-Iran border at Taftan.

When asked about 2018 general election, the prime minister assured that the polls would be held on time.

"The government tenure will end in June and election will be held after two months," he said.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...