B’stan stability imperative for Pak progress: Firdous

QUETTA: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Wednesday that stability of Balochistan was imperative for progress and prosperity of the country and the people's government was fully committed to achieve the goal.

While briefing the media after the first-ever Federal Cabinet meeting in the provincial capital,along with Interior Minister, Rehman Malik she said that about 65 per cent points of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan have been implemented while the work for implementing the remaining points was in progress.

The minister acknowledged that Balochistan Governor and Chief Minister pleaded the case of the province very ably,for which they deserve full credit.

She disclosed that Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilanihas issued the directions for filling the Balochistan quota posts in the federal government on priority.

He said that he (Prime Minister) has also directed that the tests and interviews for recruitment of candidates from Balochistan should be held in Quetta and under one roof, the whole process should be completed.

The minister said that this step would give a message to the Balochistan's youth that government was serious to address their problems.

She said besides Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, the increase share of the province in divisible pool and National Finance Commission are other major steps to financially empower the provinces.

Under the 18th Amendment, several ministries have been devolved to the provinces and now it was their job to handle these subjects and create more jobs for their youth.

She said that federal government was always there to support the provinces in their efforts to fight poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, inflation and improve law and order situation.

The minister said that provincial autonomy was the dream of Shaheed Pakistan People's Party Chairperson, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and has been finally realized by the people's government. She reminded the PPP does not have even simple majority in the Parliament but it has delivered with the cooperation of all political forces.

Dr Firdous said that now the country has been put on the right direction and there was no reason that we would not achieve our goal.

To a question about observance of merit in new recruitments on Balochistan quota jobs at federal level, she said that all recruitments will be done on merit, otherwise, the purpose of the Prime Minister's initiative will not be served.

She added that the Prime Minister has also relaxed the criteria for recruitments on Balochistan quota to accommodate jobless youth.

While replying to a question, she said that Awami National Party (ANP) was an important stakeholder in Karachi and it has proved to be a time-tested ally of the PPP.

They have always talked about democracy, Pakistan and their role in national politics has always been positive, she added.