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Balochistan seeks final approval for Rs 103 bn Makran uplift plan

LAILA A ALI

QUETTA: Balochistan government has sought final approval of the federal government for the implementation of Rs 103 billion master plan for Makran development prepared by the planning commission, sources told a group of reporters here on Friday.

These sources said the master plan is based on authentic information, studies and reports provided by the provincial government. These form the basis for eight-point master plan for Makran division, backyard of the Gulf, to serve as an engine of growth not only for Pakistan but also for its neighbouring countries including Central Asian States, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. The eight points of the Makran coast master plan are designed to:

1. develop a deep-sea port at Gwadar, commanding strategic location, which will serve as growth engine for the Pakistan coastal areas with focus on Balochistan, besides working as transhipment port for international import-export trade.

2. to fully exploit the grossly untapped fishing potential of the provincial coast and provide adequate fish landing/handling storage and marketing facilities for international and domestic markets.

3. to initiate industrial activities and identify fish and fish based industries suited to the area.

4. to provide electricity for industrial, commercial and domestic development from Iran and transmission line from Pasni Power Plant for the coastal towns and villages, for the benefit of the fishermen.

5. to improve and develop international tourism by providing modern facilities for foreign and domestic tourists at well developed sites all along the coast.

6. to conserve water and develop water resources for agriculture, animal husbandry, for drinking and power g eneration.

7. to initiate social action programme with focus on education, health care and better avenues of employment.

8. to open up strategically important potentially rich provincial areas by providing easy access to the coastal towns and villages and their connection to hinterland through highways and inter district roads.

Asked how such a massive development programme would be given practical shape, when Islamabad is short of funds, these sources said several foreign countries...China, Korea, Iran, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates especially Muscat and Oman would be ready provide funds and expertise as these are deeply interested in Makran Development Programme.