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Thursday, April 11, 2013Khoso pledges fair polls in Balochistan
* PM says participation of nationalist parties in elections is an impressive sign that will bring about positive change
* Orders govt to ensure foolproof security for leaders, voters
QUETTA: Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Wednesday said the caretaker government wants to hold free, fair and transparent elections in Balochistan. Khoso directed the provincial government to ensure foolproof security for the leaders of political parties and voters besides taking steps to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He made these remarks while talking to Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai at the Governor’s House. The prime minister arrived on his maiden visit to his native province to review the law and order situation with special focus on the arrangements for the upcoming general elections in Balochistan.
“Overwhelming participation of the nationalist parties in the general elections is an impressive sign which would bring about positive change in overall situation in Balochistan,” Khoso stressed, adding that “it can be deemed as a positive step towards the sustainable development and prosperity of the country in general and Balochistan in particular that akin to other mainstream political parties, nationalists are also taking part in the election,” said the prime minister”.
Prime Minister Khoso said that for the first time in the history of country, electoral process was continuing uninterrupted under the supervision of a credible Election Commission of Pakistan. Decision of the political tycoons in Balochistan to contest polls shows people’s confidence in the independent ECP and an impartial caretaker government, he added. “My visit to Balochistan is a clear message that the caretaker government wants to hold free, fair and transparent elections by taking along all the political parties,” he stressed. “We are in contact with the provincial government and a concerted strategy is being evolved to ensure that all departments concerned remain neutral during the polls,” he maintained.
The prime minister was briefed about the steps taken for maintaining peace and necessary arrangements pertaining to the elections. Balochistan Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad, Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durani and Balochistan IGP Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhaira were also present on the occasion. Leaders of various political parties, including Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Balochistan National Party-Mengal Central Senior Vice President Dr Jhanzaib Jamaldini and a delegation of notables from Sibbi, Jaffarabad and Naseerabad also met with the caretaker prime minister. Development projects executed in parts of the province were discussed.
The prime minister said that the government accords top priority to the development of the province and has already mobilised all available resources in this regard. Earlier, members of the delegation said law and order in the province has improved considerably. They asked of the prime minister to ensure establishment of an agriculture university in Jaffarabad district besides setting up a passport office in view of difficulties faced by the people in acquiring passports from other cities.
They also demanded a technical institute Sibbi in order to enable youth to become self-employed locally, instead of seeking petty jobs in other cities. Highlighting the significance of Kachhi Canal for local agriculture, the delegation members urged for its earlier completion to bring an agricultural revolution in the province. Referring to Gwadar Port, Prime Minister Khoso highlighted the importance of ongoing Rato Daro-Khudzar Highway project for connecting the port to rest of the country and directed the Ministry of Communications for its earlier completion.
About expansion of Gwadar Port, the prime minister was briefed that the project would cost Rs 25 billion, and would also include establishment of a Free Trade Zone. He said sufficient land in this regard had been acquired. The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) chairman informed the prime minister that Balochistan had been given representation in the board of members of the NTDC for the first time. agenciesCourtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk