Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday announced a 10-year equalisation package for the development of all areas of Balochistan, with an aim at bringing them at par with rest of the country in terms of provision of basic utilities and facilities. Talking to media-persons here at the Governor House, the Prime Minister said funds for the package would be shared by the federal and provincial governments equally and it would start during the current year.

He said the package including the provision of gas, education and health facilities would be initiated at the every union council of the province. The Prime Minister said the provincial government had given a proposal for that package which was agreed upon by the federal government. About his Tuesday's engagements in Quetta, the PM said he chaired two meetings on law and order situation and the development projects in Balochistan.

He said that during the meeting on development projects, besides other development projects, Rs 20 billion project being undertaken by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) regarding the mixing of LPG in the gas supply system was reviewed. The other development projects worth Rs 80 billion including under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were also reviewed, the PM said, adding those would be further reviewed on monthly basis.

To a query, the PM said the government was fully functioning and would complete its constitutional term ending in June next year after which the elections would be held on time and the democracy would move ahead. To a question, he said, Constitution was supreme and there should be rule of law.

While chairing a meeting on law and order situation of Balochistan here, the Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government would provide full support to the Balochistan government for improving the law and order situation. The Prime Minister said that sacrifices rendered by all law enforcement agencies' personnel were un-matchable for bringing peace in Balochistan.

Governor, Chief Minister Balochistan, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), National Security Advisor, Commander Southern Command, IGs FC, Home Minister Balochistan, Chief Secretary Balochistan, IG Police and other senior officials attended the meeting. The meeting offered prayers for the martyrs of terrorist incident that occurred recently in Quetta.

Secretary Home Balochistan presented detailed briefing on the law and order. Security measures for Shia Zaireen were also discussed in detail.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2017