Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured raising the issue of missing persons with ‘powerful quarters’. “I will raise my voice over this issue”, the Prime Minister said. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the dualization of the Quetta-Karachi highway on Saturday.
On the basis of merit, law, and justice, we would take up the issue of missing persons, the Prime Minister said. He termed raising the issue imperative to remove the grievances of the people and said that it would create disappointment and sadness among the people.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that his government has decided to address the grievances of the masses of Balochistan on a priority basis. “Your government is determined to develop Balochistan”, the Premier said.
With less and scattered population, Balochistan was not developed: PM
The Premier said that it was strange that Balochistan with a less and more scattered population was not developed despite repeated announcements and promises. “We will turn our words into action”, he assured.
The premier continued that Balochistan had huge potential but its natural resources remained untapped. “In fact, the projects that were initiated here have been surrounded with litigations.”
“Look at Reko Diq. It remained a subject of litigation for a year and billions [of rupees] were wasted. Not just money, so many years were wasted,” he pointed out.
Balochistan faces the brunt of terrorism in the past: Shehbaz
From the years 2000 to 2014, the PM highlighted, terrorism wreaked havoc in Balochistan. “The sacrifices the Pashtuns, Baloch, and other people gave are exemplary. They lost their loved ones and buried them with their own hands. In front of their eyes.”
He also commended the law enforcement agencies who gave “numerous sacrifices and defeated terrorism”.
Shehbaz also revealed that terrorism had increased again in recent times. “I don’t doubt that through our joint efforts we will defeat it again. The only condition is that the nation stays united and takes the decision that no mountain or sea will become a hindrance in our plans.”
