Balochistan Point Voice of Nation
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has said that Balochistan needs the support of international organizations to improve education, health and water reservoirs of the province. “Lack of resources and scattered population are the main hurdles in the way of development of the province,” he added.
Chief Minister Balochistan expressed these views while talking to a delegation of UNICEF’s regional director headed by Ms Karin Hulshot that called on him at here on Tuesday.
He told the delegation that very short ago when there was an impression existed in Islamabad about no go areas of Balochistan but because of stringent security measures by government the law and order in the province has improved significantly. “The negative impression about law and order of Balochistan has overed now,” he added.
Dr. Baloch said that Balochistan is approximately half of total country in terms of landmass as its scattered population and dearth of resources are the main obstacles in the way of its development.
He told the delegation that provincial coalition government is bringing massive reforms in health and education sectors. “Powers have been decentralized to headmasters in education sector at all districts, teachers are being trained and recruitment of teachers is being made through National Testing Service,” he said.
He said that provincial government is evolving a strategy to empower all state-run hospitals that would further improve the condition of hospitals and ensure better facilities to the patient. “Govt. is taking measures to achieve the MDGs and also striving hard to improve the indicators in health department by reducing the ratio of infant and mother mortality,” chief minister told UNICEF delegation.
Dr. Baloch said that the ground water of the province is depleting very fast and if timely steps are not taken it is feared that Balochistan would be converted into desert. The province owing to lack of funds is not able to construct dams thus it is required that the international community to play its role in this connection at this serious situation, he added.
He said that provincial government is committed in equal distribution of resources, taking action against corruption, ensuring transparency and accountability. “We believe in decentralization of powers, thus allocated 10 per cent of budget for local government,” he added.
The UNICEF delegation appreciated steps of government for improving education, health and other sectors of the province and assured provision of funds for sanitation and water. The delegation also asked the provincial government to further improve routine immunization of children.
At the end the representative of UNICEF and Govt. of Balochistan signed an agreement for the improvement of sanitation.
Staff Reporter
Published in the Balochistan Point on July 28, 2015
