BEFORE commenting on budget unveiled by Balochistan government the other day, the act of opposition parties and their supporters of locking up provincial assembly building to prevent presentation of budget for next fiscal year needs to be condemned in strongest words. There is no justification whatsoever for such immoral and unconstitutional conduct.
The speaker of provincial assembly must initiate strict action against those involved in the whole episode to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future. The opposition must seek apology over the commotion never witnessed in the past.
With every passing day, our lawmakers are unfortunately setting new records of misconduct much to the embarrassment of whole nation.
As regards budget, the provincial government proposed Rs584.1 billion budget for next fiscal year that carries a hefty development stimulus of Rs237.2bn.
Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi said the government has presented a balanced budget focusing on development, adding the next year’s spending plan is aimed at inclusive growth and development of backward areas.
Despite lofty promises, development of the province has been ignored by successive governments, which only added to sense of deprivation of Baloch people.
It is heartening to note that provincial government is giving priority to development and there is a need that federal government fully supports its endeavours in this regard.
The province is not only resource rich but its significance has further increased ever since the launch of multi billion dollars China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
To fully reap the benefits of its strategic location, it is important that construction of rail & road infrastructure is given special priority.
There should be no further delay in dualisation of Chaman-Karachi road as it possesses great significance for trade activity.
Other projects such as Eastbay Expressway must be completed in stipulated period to link the deep sea Gwadar port with the hinterland.
Similarly a robust and efficient railway system is need of the hour and sufficient funds must be allocated to upgrade depleting railway system in the province.
Most importantly, youth of the province must be equipped with such knowledge and technical training that they could get job opportunities arising in the province.
Recently a local consortium National Resources Private Limited (NRL) had presented a comprehensive proposal with all necessary documents to Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company to develop Tanjeel reserves first and then the vast Reko Diq copper-cum-gold reserves. After thorough study, the consortium must be allowed to go ahead with the work.
Exploiting untapped natural resources in Balochistan will usher in a new era of progress and development not only in the province but whole of Pakistan.
