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  • Dec 10th, 2006
  • Comments Off on Rs 300,000 farm loan write-off announced
President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday called upon the tribal elders to help the government in maintaining law and order in Balochistan for development, progress and prosperity of the province and the country.

"The countries which have poor or no law and order cannot achieve development, progress and prosperity of their peoples," said the President, while addressing a large gathering of notables, tribal elders, Sardars, District Nazims, and others here at the Governor House.

He referred to the situation in Somalia (Africa) and Afghanistan saying: "Do not let this happen here and tell your people that the government is with you and working for the betterment and prosperity of the people of Balochistan."

The President said terrorism and extremism hinder the country's growth, development as well as investment. "I am giving your destiny in your own hands. Choice is yours. If you want peace and development, support me," said the President.

He also welcomed the Chamalang agreement and said the resolution of 30-year-old dispute between Lunis and Maris would help earn Rs 30 billion per annum for the people of Balochistan.

The President, amidst applause, also announced the agriculture loan write-off of up to Rs 300,000 owed by the people in Balochistan to Zarai Tarakiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and said the notification in this respect would be issued on Sunday.

Balochistan Governor Awais Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yusuf, former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Musharraf said he had a vision to rectify the 50 years neglect of Balochistan which created a sense of deprivation in the province and it remained backward in various fields, including education.

"I would the central and provincial governments for this situation," he added. The President said there is poverty and backwardness in Balochistan as well as the spillover effects of the situation in Afghanistan since the former Soviet Union's invasion there. But that era has passed, now you have to go-ahead with development and progress.

He referred to the youth of Balochistan, saying: "We give a direction to their hot blood towards peace and progress." The President said the tribal elders and leaders have to play a role in guiding their youth in the right direction.

"If the elements who are against development and progress in the province can raise their voices despite being in minority why you people - who are in majority - cannot raise your voice against them and in favour of peace and development," he asked.

"Bring the people, who are in favour of peace and development forward. The situation has changed and there is a vacuum. Fill this vacuum with those who want development and progress of Pakistan and Balochistan."

The President said contrary to the past there is a commitment at the leadership level and ample resources are available to spend on the development of Balochistan.

He referred to the mega development projects in Balochistan and said Gwadar seaport will serve as a trade corridor for the region linking Balochistan with Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics (CARs) and China.

He said Gwadar will become a cheaper choice of trade route for regional countries and billions of dollars earning will change the destiny of Pakistan as well as of Balochistan.

The President said Gwadar is a gift from God to Pakistan as a number of foreign companies are interested in investing in this area by setting up oil refineries or industries.

Similarly, he said Rikodik copper and gold mine is one of best copper and gold mines in the world and its 25 percent income will go to Balochistan. With the proposed gas pipeline from Iran to Pakistan and onward to India as well as China and all related activities, Pakistan will become a trade and energy corridor in the region and benefits will go to Balochistan. President Pervez Musharraf said the government's doors are open for everyone to achieve peace and development in Balochistan.

"The government's doors are open for all, as we want peace and development in Balochistan, and the government will welcome everyone, who desires so," the President told the media at the Governor House after addressing a large gathering of notables, tribal elders, Sardars and Nazims across province.

To a question, whether the government will announce general amnesty as was done by President Zia-ul-Haq after 1970s operation, the President said: "Those who will surrender and come to the government would be offered amnesty."

He, however, maintained that he was not like those who sweep a problem under the carpet for short-term gains and do not go for resolving the problem seriously and for long-term benefits.

The President said he believes in eliminating the problem from its root and source, as it will help achieve long-term gains for the country as well as for Balochistan.

Replying to another query, the President said the law and order situation in the province has improved during the last two to three months with a "sharp decline in incidents of rocket firing". He, however, said the government will strictly deal with some elements who are against the development process in Balochistan and want to destabilise the country. "Such elements are also getting help from outside the country", he noted.

In response to a question, the President said the government was focusing on the development of Balochistan, adding the government has allocated Rs 30 billion in the PSDP for Balochistan, compared to a mere Rs 2 billion in 1999. The government will continue to raise the allocation, he said.

Musharraf said there were some problems in account management in the province, which requires maximum funds for development. The government is spending a lot of money in Balochistan, even more than Punjab, he added.

To a question about the NFC Award, the President said he has announced the amended NFC Award through an ordinance, but added that for a permanent award there was a need of consensus among the provinces.

To another question, the President said he has expressed his desire to meet and talk to students of Balochistan University collectively and not with any single leader. In response to another question, the President said Quetta Airport will have the night landing facility by March 2007.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2006


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