Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed the ground-breaking of Balochistan Health Complex and the Quetta-Zhob dual carriageway as part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s western alignment.
The prime minister was accompanied by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan, provincial ministers and other civil and military officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, the premier said: “The people of Balochistan were deprived of their basic rights in the past. We are following our agenda of bringing a change. Balochistan Health Complex is a major facility for locals in the province.”
PM Imran said, “Whatever way the country was being run it was going towards devastation. Every day the interest we give on debts is Rs 6 billion. Pakistan was on the brink of bankruptcy.”
He admitted the issues of public interest were neglected by the past rulers as they were more interested in their foreign tours.
The premier said, “I am glad to note the performance of Balochistan chief minister. The governments in the past did not pay heed to the issues facing by the province.”
“The 305-km Quetta-Zhob Dual Carriageway is a game changer project. It will connect all deprived areas of Balochistan from Pakistan and the international community. This Western route should have been made before which will now bring a huge change.”
Earlier Balochistan CM also addressed the same event and acknowledged that the prime minister was working to address the grievances of people of Balochistan.
He thanked PM Imran for starting the work in real terms on the western route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“Balochistan Health Complex is a joint project of Pakistan Army and provincial government,” said Jam Kamal.
He praised the role of General Bajwa for starting the project in collaboration with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Balochistan chief minister said health was a basic need and this centre was a great gift for the people of the province.
Jam Kamal said, “The provincial government is facing many challenges. I regret that the development of Balochistan was ignored in the past due to lack of accountability, sustainability, and planning strategy.”
The chief minister said armed forces and people of Balochistan rendered numerous sacrifices during the last 15 years for bringing peace and stability in the Balochistan.
He said today’s Balochistan was much better than that of yesteryears. Jam Kamal stressed that the people of Balochistan were patriots and love Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran reached Balochistan’s provincial capital earlier on Friday as an initial stop for his first inter-provincial tour. During the two-day visit, the premier will also visit Sindh and Punjab.
Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid and PM’s Special Adviser Yar Mohammad Rind also accompanied him.
