QUETTA: Balochistan’s caretaker ministers have said that the interim government has developed a roadmap for the rapid development of the province in line with the vision of the prime minister and army chief, under which measures would be taken to attract national and foreign investments.

The caretaker Information Minister Jan Muhammad Achakzai made these remarks during a press conference held on Friday, where he was joined by Minister for Health Dr Amir Muhammad Jogezai and Education Minister Qadir Bakhsh Baloch.

“The government is implementing a one-window operation to facilitate international investors who are interested in investing in various sectors, as Balochistan holds a strong position in mineral and other sectors. We will remove all obstacles to provide facilities to investors,” Mr Achakzai said.

He said that interested investors had encountered red tape in the past when applying for land leases and other facilities, which hindered investment in Balochistan.

‘One window’ for international investors introduced; initiatives in healthcare, education and tourism announced

“We will make efforts to provide all the necessary facilities to both local and foreign investors,” he said, adding that if development is not brought to Balochistan today it will be our misfortune.

Mr Achakzai said that Balochistan is very safe for investment in various sectors. The overall law and order situation is better, except in some districts. He said, “The government will not only ensure the protection of investments but also prioritise the investors’ interests in the province.”

He mentioned that the Balochistan government is committed to resolving the issues facing the province in line with the vision of the caretaker chief minister. He emphasised that they are working within a limited time frame to create opportunities for international investment and are collaborating with all stakeholders.

He also emphasised that the vision of the interim prime minister and the army chief to develop Balochistan, and if this opportunity is not seized, it would be a missed opportunity.

Mr Achakzai stated that they are establishing a task force to provide security to foreign investors, and the Balochistan government is allocating all available resources to dispel the impression that they do not prioritise investor security.

The information minister said that strict actions are being taken against the smuggling of sugar and Iranian oil in the province. With the cooperation of all security agencies, the smuggling of sugar and Iranian oil will no longer be tolerated in the province, he said.

“Reko Diq and other projects will surely benefit Balochistan, not only strengthening the province’s economy but also providing thousands of jobs to its youth,” he said.

Caretaker Health Minister Ameer Mohammad Jogezai added that the interim government plans to provide healthcare services to two million families in the province through a card service to be launched at the end of this month.

“We will not issue separate cards to families for accessing healthcare facilities; their National Identity Cards (NIC) will serve as their healthcare cards,” he said.

He said that the government has initiated steps to improve the health sector within a limited time frame and has decided to recruit 700 doctors on an ad-hoc basis. He emphasised that he personally monitors hospital facilities and has taken notice of any negligence on the part of the doctors.

Provincial Caretaker Education Minister Qadir Bakhsh Baloch said that there are 5,716 schools in Balochistan, which has no washrooms and pledged to set up a model school in every district of the province with the provision of facilities.

He said that 81 per cent of schools in the province are primary schools, while 11pc are high schools, and added, “Very soon, these primary schools will be converted into high schools.”

In response to a question, he stated that they do not have a magic wand, but they will take steps to improve the education sector within the 100-day period.

He said that the caretaker government plans to enhance tourist sites in the province, including Ziarat, promote tourism, and create a positive image of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2023