Militant camps to be eliminated: President
Says Balochistan on verge of a new era

GWADAR—President General Pervez Musharraf has declared that 2007 and beyond would be the year of Balochistan where through the process of development backwardness would be brought to an end and ferari camps would be eliminated.
He was addressing elected representatives and notables of the five districts of Balochistan here on Friday. The districts were Gwadar, Kach, Awaran, Lasbella and Pangjur. The participants of the meeting gave the President a standing ovation and told in one voice “ Qadam Barhoo Pervez Musharraf Hum Tumahrah Saath Hain” and assured that they would strengthen his hands in the development PROCESS of Balochistan as well as that of the country.
The President told the gathering that there are numerous opportunities of moving ahead and urged the people of Balochistan to grasp these in order to meak headway. He informed that in the years 1068 upto 1999 the federal government’s development budget was a mere 70 to 80 billion rupees an year but now Rs. 415 billion are availble for the development projects. he said that not only the country’s economy has strengthened but its status in the comity of nations has also improved.
The President said that mega projects have been initiated in Balochistan as well as in other parts of the country to help improve the standards of living of the people. He said the goal being pursued by the government is creation of employment opportunities, eradication of poverty, provision of clean drinking water, gas and eletricity to the people. Gen. Musharraf said that besides mega projects in Balochistan such as Gwadar Port, Mirani Dam, Coastal Highway etc the district nazims have been givem Rs. 100 million each for micro projects and Rs. 2.5 billion to Senators, MNAs, and MPAs for development works in their constituencies.
The President said that steps are also being initiated for quality improvement for the people of Balochistan. he also announced an extensive programme of provision of scholarships for the youngsters of Balochistan in reputed educational institutions in the country including cadet colleges, public schools, medical and engineering universities and technical schools. An internship programme would also be started for the educated youth in the province. Gen. Musharraf said that 2007 would be of Balochistan where resources are being allocated for development. he said that we all would have to join hands to make headway and bring backwardness to an end.
The President also asked the people to take destiny in their hands and said the government would extend them full support and gradually this would improve the future of their children and the coming generations. He also made it clear that if law and order is not improved, this would impede the path of progress and development. He said those involved in militant activities would take the province towards backwardness. He said the militants would have to be checked as they not only obstruct progress but are also against development.
President General Pervez Musharraf said there are tremendous opportunities of progress and development in Balochistan. It is now upto the people of this province to avail them or lose them. As far as the government is concerned it is fully determined to support them.

—Agencies