Government focusing on development of Balochistan: Musharraf
Pakistan Times National News Desk

KAKUL: President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said the government was focusing on the development of Balochistan, aimed at improving the living standard of people, reducing poverty and generating job opportunities.

“Various mega development projects including in communication sector, dams, ports, health and education were initiated by the present government”, he said while talking to students and cadets from Balochistan after the passing out parade of 115 PMA Long Course here at Pakistan Military Academy.

The President told the 61 students - who were specially flown from Quetta to Kakul to witness the passing out parade - that government was encouraging the participation of youth from Balochistan in every field including Pakistan Army.

“You should get inspiration from these 28 cadets from Balochistan who have passed out today from PMA”, he remarked and added the government will provide all help and assistance in this respect.

The President, who had frank exchange of views with the students from Balochistan however maintained that they should focus on education, especially the quality education.

He said, the government was actively working for opening of 11 cadet colleges in various parts of Balochistan, besides offering scholarships to the youth of province to study in the country’s top educational institutions including medical and engineering universities.

The President also referred to the establishment of a technical training institute in Quetta, where 400 to 500 students were being imparted technical training in various skills to enable them get suitable jobs.

He said as Balochistan was neglected in the past and remained backward, the present government was making all out efforts to bring them at par with other areas of the country.

The President mentioned various mega development projects initiated and implemented by the present government including Gwadar Deep Seaport, Coastal Highway, Gomal Zam Dam and other projects in health, education, electricity and clean drinking water for the benefit of the people of Balochistan.

The students from Balochistan, who were very enthusiastic to be so close to the President, asked various questions and vowed that they will focus on studies to secure an honour like those 28 cadets from Baluchistan who achieved the privilege of joining Pakistan Army to serve the country and nation.

The President also announced Rs. 10,000 each for the 61 students and 20,000 each for the four teachers who had come all the way from Balochistan to witness the passing out parade of 115 Long Course.

President Musharraf also had a meeting with the parents of 28 lady cadets, who passed out today, and congratulated the cadets as well as their parents on this historic occasion.●