Chief Minister Muhammad Yousuf, Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, federal and provincial ministers, senators, MNAs, MPAs and elite of the area. The President said: "Marble is our asset, and by developing it we can earn money and foreign exchange as well by exporting it."
He said that promotion of the industry would not only be beneficial for the area and the province but would also lead to economic uplift of the poor. He noted that four units were in production at the facility and said that expatriate Pakistanis from USA, Japan, Spain and the UAE have shown the spirit of patriotism and have come here to render service to the country and its people. "They are contributing to the socio-economic development of the local population, he added.
Musharraf said that about 300 units would be established in the 'Marble City' and some 600 acres land has been allotted. He said the establishment of 300 units would help create jobs for thousands of people, reduce poverty and would lead to progress.
The President said that there are three important elements for successfully extracting marble from the mountains. He noted that the use of old techniques of mining results in some 70 percent wastage as explosives are used for the purpose. He exhorted that modern techniques should be used for the mining of marble.
The President emphasised that cutting and polishing of marble should also be done in the best possible manner. He said that the government would extend full assistance in this respect and the Ministry of Industries was also contemplating certain steps.
He said that he had been informed that five types of equipment were required for proper mining of marble so as to prevent 70 percent of its wastage. He stated that he would himself devise a strategy in this regard and the government would also come up with investment so that mining is conducted in the best possible way. The President said that the equipment would also be imported, as there was no dearth of money in the government's exchequer.
He said it was not like the past when the exchequer was empty and those who were then in the government were indulging in empty slogans. President Musharraf said that the present government "has the will, commitment and determination" to carry out the policies, and it has the required money in the exchequer to take practical measures. He said that marble industry in the area would be promoted fully, and effectively, and the system of mining, cutting and polishing of marble would be streamlined.
The President made it clear that the job would have to be performed by people in the industry and the government would serve as a facilitator. He said he was happy that expatriate Pakistanis and others were coming up with investment. He said that investment in this sector would help generate employment opportunities, especially for the poor who could earn their livelihood.
He said that with hard work every area of Balochistan province, which is blessed with all resources, "can make headway". The President pointed out that intentions of those who were in the governments in the past were not clear and they did not have the commitment, and created a sense of deprivation in the province.
He said that over the past six years he had undertaken measures with determination, sincerity and commitment to bring Balochistan at par with other provinces, "which was never done in the past".
He said it was unfortunate that there were some elements, "who are out to create misunderstandings". The President said Balochistan was making quite a headway these days and that the Governor and Chief Minister of Balochistan were also doing a lot for improving the lot of the people of the province. He said that he would support their efforts and would help provide the required finances.
President Musharraf said that for development purposes all districts of Balochistan had been allocated Rs 100 million each and announced an additional Rs 50 million for the Lasbela District.
GAS: President Musharraf promised financial assistance towards induction of costly machines needed for mining marble. About gas, he said that the area where it is found should also get it, as a matter of right.
He announced that the project pertaining to provision of gas to Winder had been approved and a sum of Rs 70 million for this purpose would be allocated. The project would be extended to Uthal and Bela, and Rs 421 million more would be spent for taking the pipeline there.
He said the provision of electricity was also very important, and added that he would instruct Wapda to remove the defects and shortcomings in transmission line from Hub to Lasbela immediately for smooth power supply. He pointed out that it was the endeavour of the government to provide electricity to every village in the country.
The President said that by December 2007 up to 60 percent of villages of Balochistan would be electrified and the work of provision of electricity to remote villages of the province would continue even after that. He said that he would ask the Ministry of Railways to look into the plan for laying a railway line from Hub to Karachi to facilitate transportation of industrial goods at low cost for marketing as well as for exports.
About water, he said that he realised the difficulties being faced by the people due to shortage of water, and announced that desalination plants would be established in Gadani, Sibi and Jiwani. The federal government would allocate Rs 100 million for providing potable water to the people, the President said.
SHIP-BREAKING INDUSTRY: Recalling that there was once a ship-breaking industry at Gadani which was known in the world, he said due to the faulty policies of the past government it almost had come to an end, and those who were working there became jobless.He announced that the ship-breaking industry would be revived, and streamlined. He said there would be zero percent customs duty and income tax would be only one percent so that this industry could be rejuvenated.
Referring to the heavy losses caused by drought in Balochistan in the past, President Musharraf said that he would ask the government and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to consider giving the people of the province remission on loans. About ownership rights of land to the people, he said the government should give such right to the poor, and asked the Chief Minister of Balochistan to come up with a plan in this respect so that land should be given to the deserving people.
The President said that the needs of the people of Balochistan would be fulfilled and asked them to work hard with honesty and sincerity to come at par with other provinces. He said Balochistan was blessed with all the resources and assured that he would extend all the necessary assistance.
President Musharraf said that correct decisions and unity were essential for national progress and raising the country's stature in the comity of nations.
Any wrong decisions, disunity, lack of patriotism, militancy, extremism and terrorism would bring harm to the country, he said, vowing that as long as was at the helm he would ensure that the country continued its march on the road to progress and development.
He said that betterment and prosperity of the people was the basic purpose of a government and his objective was progress of the people, provision of jobs and alleviation of poverty. The pre-requisite for achieving these objectives was streamlining the economy which the government had achieved, he said. Referring to the K-III project for supply of 100 million gallons of water daily inaugurated by him in Karachi on Sunday, he said it had also been connected to Hub for supplying tap water.
He also referred to the Gwadar Port and said it was nearing completion. The President pointed out that the port would be one of the best ports in the world and meet all international requirements.
The Gwadar City would be developed into a beautiful city with provision of oil and gas and that this would contribute greatly towards the development of Balochistan, he said.
The President said the Coastal Highway Project was initiated in 2001 and today it was there in the shape of an excellent highway, which was benefiting the people and greatly contributing toward business and commercial activities. He stated that there had been development in the entire coastal areas because of this road.
President Musharraf pointed out that the Mirani Dam, which was launched in 2002, was close to completion and he would himself inaugurate it in September this year.
He said the dam would irrigate some 35,000 acres of land and that there would also be a lake and the contract for fishing would be awarded to the local people.
The President announced that a sum of Rs 136 billion was being spent on development projects in Balochistan which would come on ground in a couple of years time for the benefit of the people.
In addition to the mega projects, other projects had also been taken up. "We are also thinking of laying a railway line and water projects will also be taken up". Having achieved economic turnaround the way ahead now was to control the price hike, alleviate poverty and create jobs, he said.
The President said there were some factors for the price hike but steps would have to be taken for controlling these factors. He pointed out that in the 11 years from i988 to 1999 poverty had risen from 18 percent to 34 percent and one among every three persons was poor.
The President stated he was proud to say that there had been a reduction in poverty for the first time in the country's history and now one in every four persons was poor. The poverty would be reduced further, he said.
President Musharraf said extremism and terrorism are not only harming the country but also the religion. He said "we will have to face this with courage and every one would have to demonstrate unity and solidarity". He asked the people if some elements asked them to take the course of militancy, then they should not only refuse but also take action against them.
He said that violence and militancy was not a correct path and added that the Kalashnikov culture would not bring progress, instead lead towards destruction and backwardness. He said there are some people who talk of rights of Baloch and added such empty slogans are meaningless.
He said he is a staunch supporter of the rights of Baloch. President Musharraf said the development activities are underway in the province such as road networks and water projects etc. He said there is a gold and copper mine in Rekodik in District Chaghi and internationally-renowned firms of Chile and Canada have come there for mining.
According to the agreement 25 percent share in that mine would be of the Government of Balochistan without investing any money, he added. He said in Daghar there is a mine of lead and zinc and its 10 percent share would go to the Government of Balochistan. Likewise, in Dalbandin iron ore, Government of Balochistan is to get half of the share.
President Pervez Musharraf said in all these projects the Government of Balochistan would get share without investing a penny. "These are the rights which we are giving to the Government of Balochistan".
He pointed out that there were elements who had run governments in Balochistan for many years and they were Balochs but they did nothing. They talk of rights but these were their own rights. The President said that these elements were responsible for the backwardness of Balochistan. He and his government want to give real rights to the people of Balochistan.
President Musharraf said efforts are being made for a real democratic system in the country. Unfortunately there are some elements who do not want democracy to flourish and they had displaced their own people who are now returning to their native areas. As many as 15,000 displaced people have already returned.
The President said action is being taken by the FC against those who are involved in bomb blasts, targeting electricity pylons as well as gas pipeline. He said the days of such elements have come to an end and now are the days of the people and days of progress.
President Musharraf said the resources of Pakistan would be utilised for the development and progress of the people. He asked the people to vote for those who are safeguarding the rights of people in a practical way, when they exercise the right of franchise.
The President told the people that he is working for the progress and prosperity of the people and he supports those who want development. His speech was punctuated with slogans of Pakistan Zindabad, President Musharraf Zindabad. "Qadam Barhao Pervez Musharraf Hum Tumharey Saath Hain".