Balochistan Development Gateway

[Neo]

March 17, 2007
Investors show keen interest in Balochistan

By Saleem Shahid

Quetta, March, 16: The Balochistan investment mission conferences on ‘Gwadar Port City’ held at Dubai, London, Warsaw and Geneva produced very encouraging response, particularly from the British and Polish business community.

President Balochistan Economic Forum Sardar Shoukat Aziz Popalzai said this while talking to newsmen here on Friday.

He said that the forum had organised four investment conferences with the collaboration of the Consulate General of Poland in Karachi and private sector trade associations and corporate organisations of the United Kingdom, the UAE and Switzerland.

A nine-member mission led by Sardar Popalzai represented Balochistan in these conferences and established that in the present era of private investment unhindered by national boundaries multinational companies were looking for investments in low cost areas, which are rich in natural resources. Balochistan offered most attractive environment for suchnvestment.

Mr Popalzai said that the response to the Balochistan investment conferences showed that the province had succeeded in attracting attention of the international investors.

He further said that Gwadar was located on the south western coast of Pakistan, close to the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, through which more than 13 million bpd of oil passes. It is strategically located between three increasingly important regions of the world, the oil-rich Middle East, heavily populated South Asia and the resource-rich Central Asia.

He said that the Gwadar Port would pave the way to generate billions of dollars in foreign investments in the state-of-art port city of South Asia besides, the Balochistan province’s large coastal line is expected to be developed as energy corridor of the region.

Mr Popalzai said that the Consul General of the Republic of Poland at Karachi took great interest to invite Polish investors to come to Pakistan for investment in different sectors.

In his message to the Polish business community the consul general observed that Poland saw Pakistan as a very important partner in south-eastern Asia having access to the markets of Afghanistan and the republics of Central Asia.

There are enormous possibilities for foreign investors to take part in the mega projects in different areas of Balochistan, he added.

“There are also enormous possibilities to establish joint ventures and develop economic cooperation in fish and seafood processing industry, oil and gas exploration and exploitation of minerals,” he told the Polish business leaders.

He was of the view that Pakistani businessmen, particularly from the province of Balochistan can re-export Polish products to Afghanistan, the Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and also the eastern region of Iran. During conference in Warsaw with top business executives investment related topics and project portfolios were discussed by the mission members. The Polish trade bodies announced to visit Balochistan in April He further said that the visit of Balochistan investment mission to four countries received encouraging message that Pakistan in the last five years has shown extra-ordinary economic progress. It offers enormous business opportunities.

The forum president said that the international business community feels that the economic potential of Balochistan is enormous and being the biggest province it is emerging as a major commercial resource centre in the region

He said that he had also met Muzaffar Chaudhary, the president of UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and briefed him on vast business opportunities existed in the province.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/03/17/ebr2.htm

 

[Neo]

March 19, 2007
Plan to revamp Balochistan’s agriculture system

By Ihtasham ul Haque

THE federal government plans to establish new infrastructure and revamp the entire agriculture system in Balochistan for ensuring food security and enhancing productivity of crops, livestock and forestry through efficient use of modern technologies and transferring them to the farmers in the province.

The ministry of food, agriculture and livestock (Minfal) has submitted a detailed proposal to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) recently for approval to modernise the agriculture sector of Balochistan.

The agriculture research system in Balochistan, according to Minfal, is very weak and not so much expanded and modernised that it could address the problems of arid/semi-arid agriculture.

The province has great potential to develop its vast coastal areas and range/barren lands to increase the overall agriculture productivity. Under the proposed plan, agricultural research facilities will be upgraded especially in the field of horticulture and livestock. The up-scaled research facilities will be helpful in improving agriculture development and achieving self-reliance in agricultural commodities.

The objective is also to enhance the capacity-building and upgrading the skills of people through short and long-term training, and improving sustainability in different agro-ecological zones of Balochistan by reversing the degradation of fragile ecologies.

Balochistan's agriculture is currently under-staffed in terms of scientific manpower in various disciplines of dry land farming. In addition, operational funding for field and lab research is much below the requirements. The present labs are either unequipped or partially equipped. There is no exemplary green house facility for conducting long-term plant and crop development programme. Most of the vehicles and tractors/field implements are old and unserviceable. Latest computers and software is almost non-existent.

Although the province is highly suitable for fruits and vegetables, the irrigated places in the Pat Feeder Canal command areas are suitable for growing cereals and cash crops. The main crops of these areas are wheat and rice, and recently cotton and other oilseed crops have also been introduced quite successfully. As research facilities in these areas are very meagre, the farmers are dependent on other provinces. It is, therefore, necessary to establish, and even expand, the research facilities for crops of these particular areas which could work and develop crop management to improve the crop productivity for better economic returns.

Livestock, a sub-sector of agriculture, plays an important role in the economy of Balochistan and more than 20 per cent of provincial income is generated by this sector. It has been estimated that about 80 per cent of the provincial population is directly or indirectly involved in livestock business.

According to previous livestock census, the province maintained 10.84 million sheep, 9.37 million goats, 1.34 million cattle, 0.34 million camel and 4.7 million poultry. In addition, equine and buffaloes are also found in the province.

Small ruminants (sheep & goats) are the most important contributors for food production and economics uplift of the people of this province. Cattle are next in the list followed by poultry and buffaloes. Mountain camels are widely used for transportation purpose. Due to prolonged drought, grazing range-lands have deteriorated and hence the number and productivity of livestock has decreased considerably.

The overall objectives of the proposals are to enhance the capabilities of Balochistan in diagnosis/control of animal diseases, efficient utilisation of small ruminants, cattle and camels. At present the province has one main agriculture research institute at Sariab, Quetta, which caters to the needs of the provincial agriculture research and conduct trials at various experimental stations scattered all over the province. There are very meagre facilities available at these stations with limited laboratory facilities. A limited number of scientists are working at Quetta and it becomes very difficult for them to travel to all areas to identify and solve farmers’ problems. Thus the farmers have always complained of this deficiency and are obliged to use their own judgment which results in lower yields and increased problems. Hence it is felt that the research facilities be established in all the ecological zones to conduct meaningful research to solve farmer problems.

Therefore, the proposed programme "Strengthening and Up gradation of Agricultural Research System in Balochistan" is meant to cater to multi-disciplinary research and development needs of vast arid and semi-arid areas of Balochistan. It envisages upgradation and establishment of new research stations/institutions and undertaking research on problems peculiar to areas with special reference to rangeland development and desertification control, dry land crops, efficient soil and water-management and livestock husbandry.

Following activities are proposed to be undertaken: Establishment of PD office at AZRC campus; five new research institutes/stations to be established at Nautal, Khuzdar, Hazarganji, Shoran and Qila Saifulla; and four existing research institutes/stations located at Quetta (AZRI and ARI, Sariab), Sibi and Turbat to be strengthened. For all these, a moderate demand for establishment, operational, capital construction and HRD expenses has also been proposed.

It was earlier planned to set up Agricultural Research Station at Nautal, Khuzdar, which would now be set up at Usta Muhammad. This has been done on the recommendations of Senate's standing committee on food, agriculture and livestock. The members of this body have recommended utilisation of available facilities at ATI, Khanpur in Usta Muhammad.

The area is located in the plains of the province with irrigation water to be available from the Pat Feeder Canal and the Kachhi Canal. Large areas are planned to be developed and brought under cultivation in the area. The main crops of these areas are wheat and rice. Recently cotton and other oilseed crops have also been introduced quite successfully. As the research facilities in this area are non-existent, hence, the farmers are dependent on results from other provinces. Thus, there is a need to establish research facilities to develop technologies which are site specific and suit to local climatic conditions. For this purpose, a new research institute is proposed with facilities for one each of office block and laboratory, farm area, residential accommodation, operational and capital expenses.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/03/19/ebr13.htm

 

[Janbaz]

‘Balochistan’s sharebeing artificially depressed’

By Mehtab Haider

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan’s share in shape of royalty, excise duty and surcharges on gas has dropped owing to ‘efficient gas reserves’ during the first seven months (July-Jan) of the current fiscal year, it is learnt.

The neglected Balochistan’s share in shape of royalty stood at zero during the first seven months of the current financial year. “The federal government has released Rs4.037 billion to four federating units in the shape of royalty on oil in July-Jan period of the current fiscal,” reveals official data obtained by The News on Tuesday.

However, the data shows that Balochistan’s share in shape of surcharges on gas has crossed its budgetary estimates, as the Centre has envisaged Rs3.582 billion for the province for 2006-07 but it actually transferred Rs5.869 billion even in first seven months (July-Jan) period.

The federal government has envisaged budgetary estimates of Rs9.154 billion for four provinces in shape of royalty on oil during the whole financial year 2006-07. In shape of royalty on oil, Sindh got more share compared with other provinces. Sindh got Rs2.206 billion in first seven months against envisaged budgetary estimates of Rs4.467 billion.

Punjab’s share on account of royalty on oil stands at Rs1.597 billion in first seven months against budgetary estimates of Rs3.794 billion. The federal government has released Rs11.572 billion to four provinces in shape of royalty on natural gas during the first seven months of the current fiscal year against total budgetary estimates of Rs20.141 billion. Balochistan has received Rs2.011 billion as royalty on natural gas in July-Jan period against envisaged budgetary target of Rs2.547 billion.

The NWFP received Rs241.779 million in shape of royalty on natural gas during the first seven months against envisaged budgetary estimates of Rs503.915 million. Sindh got Rs8.605 billion in July-Jan period of the current fiscal year in shape of royalty on natural gas against budgetary estimates of Rs15.713 billion.

Punjab’s share in shape of royalty on natural gas stands at only Rs714.540 million during first seven months against budgetary estimates of Rs1.376 billion.Islamabad has provided Rs2.368 billion to four federating units in shape of excise duty on natural gas during the first seven months as Balochistan’s share stood at Rs478.585 million, NWFP Rs50.846 million, Sindh Rs1.714 billion and Punjab’s share of Rs124.740 million in July-Jan period of the current fiscal.

The provinces share in shape of surcharges on gas has crossed budgetary estimates as the federal government has envisaged target of Rs17.709 billion but it provided Rs19.585 billion in first seven months. Balochistan’s share in shape of surcharges on gas stood at Rs5.869 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal.

The NWFP share was Rs323.021 million on account of surcharge on gas against budgetary estimates of Rs320.548 million. Sindh is the major beneficiary in terms of receiving surcharges on gas in the current fiscal year.

The Sindh government received Rs12.504 billion in shape of surcharge on gas in July-Jan period of the current fiscal year against budgetary estimates of Rs12.814 billion for 2006-07. Punjab’s share in shape of royalty on gas stood at Rs888.821 million against envisaged budgetary target of Rs991.752 million for 2006-07.

According to official sources Balochistan loses billions of rupees in shape of surcharges on gas owing to efficient gas fields. The royalty and excise duty on natural gas, after deducting 2 per cent collection charges, is also transferred to the provinces in accordance with Article 161 (1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Currently, the share of gas contributed by Balochistan stands at 53 per cent to 65 per cent under different formulas but the province is presently getting a share of roughly 35 per cent in the Gas Development Surcharge (GDS) distributed between the provinces, sources said.

Officials explained that by allocating GDS receipts on the basis of volume rather than total value of gas sold (being the product of volume and average weighted price paid by the final consumers), Balochistan’s share is being “artificially depressed”.

Balochistan receives direct transfers from the centre on account of its ownership of gas. These transfers relate to the excise duty and royalty on gas, and its share of the GDS. The excise duty on gas is based on production volumes. The excise duty is set at a low rate of Rs5.30 per BTU, which was established several years ago, they said.

A senior official elaborated that the royalty on gas is paid by the centre as recognition of the ownership right of the province, while the GDS is determined on the basis of the cost of exploration and the stock of assets. The royalty on gas, the official said, is fixed at the rate of 12.5 per cent of the gas sold and valued at the well-head price.

Currently, the GDS is distributed between the provinces based on the proportion of volume contributed by different gas fields to total national gas supply despite the fact that the GDS collection is a function of the difference between the weighted prescribed price (determined on the basis of the well-head price, O&M cost, excise duty, etc.) and the price paid by the consumer. The wellhead prices of the gas fields in Balochistan have been fixed on a cost plus formula, well below the well-head prices of new gas fields.

The News.
http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=48637

 

[Neo]

Friday, April 13, 2007

Govt to empower the people of Balochistan, says Durrani

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani on Thursday said that empowering the poor people of Balochistan is a core feature of President Pervez Musharraf's vision.

He addressed a 20-member students delegation from the Balochistan University.

Durrani urged the students to play an active role in strengthening the government’s policies. "The youth of Balochistan should come forward and support the ongoing mega development projects policies of President Pervez Musharraf so the poor and deprived people of the province can be truly empowered," he said.

Durrani highlighted the government's projects for the exploration of minerals and other natural resources and said the government was making efforts to ensure the economic empowerment of the people of Balochistan that had been ignored by past rulers.

"Past regimes allotted funds to Balochistan on the basis of population which resulted in a massive sense of deprivation among the population of the province," he said, adding that some outlaws tried to exploit the situation for personal gains. “President Pervez Musharraf has addressed the issue and the Balochistan youth are being given employment opportunities in all sectors. They are being given unprecedented representation in the armed forces and in other public sector departments," he said, adding that the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation had allocated all its posts to the people of Balochistan.

He said the government has taken revolutionary steps to provide education facilities for the people of the province. "In the past, there was only one university while the present government has established three universities in Balochistan. Five more varsities are in the pipeline to ensure quality education facilities for the people of Balochistan," he said, adding that a virtual university was also facilitating students in Balochistan.

Durrani told the students that the federal cabinet, on Wednesday, approved fully funded scholarships for students from remote areas of the country and this initiative would include students from Balochistan.

Durrani said that Pakistan's development budget remained under Rs 100 billion from 1988 to 1999 due to past rulers’ dishonesty.

"On the contrary, the present government is taking revolutionary development steps as the country has made an unequalled economic turnaround under the visionary leadership of President Pervez Musharraf," he said.

He added that unlike past rulers, the present government was spending on streets, roads, bridges and factories. "Our Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is worth Rs 400 billion today as the national wealth is being spent on development projects," he said, adding that Balochistan is the centre of development today.

He said the development in Balochistan was not politically motivated but was aimed at empowering the poor.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Additional Secretary Ahsen Yusuf and Director General of the Minister's Office Shabir Anwer were also present. Yusuf and Anwer gave the student’s delegation, led by Professor Farkhanda Aurangzeb, a detailed briefing about the performance of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\04\13\story_13-4-2007_pg11_3

 

[Neo]

Gaddani marble city to attract investors

QUETTA (April 14 2007): Pakistan's first marble city is rapidly springing up at Gaddani, Balochistan Coast close to Karachi, to attract local and foreign investors and industrialists for export-oriented marble trade.

Official sources here on Friday said, a strategy had been chalked out for private and public sectors' closer cooperation in the promotion of Pakistan marble industry on sound and sustainable footings. The federal government has already set aside Rs 300 million to modernise marble industry initially.

The marble city at Gaddani, world's second largest ship-breaking hub, sprawls over 600 acres of land. The acquired land has been demarcated into 300 industrial plots at the marble city.

The city is so designed to modernise marble production, processing, polishing, finishing and marketing of marble produce and products mostly to the foreign countries besides meeting domestic demands.

Besides, providing gainful employment for the people of Balochistan, minimising poverty and maximising revenue for the exchequer through optimum output and export, the marble city would have better fallout on Balochistan economy.

The city would fully protect and promote marble industry on most modern pattern, maximising marble output and export in raw, semi finished and fully finished forms. At present, primitive means of marble mining by blasting most of the mines cause 70 percent loss to this most precious natural stone in high demand abroad.

Under the strategy of the present government, steps have been taken to promote import of most modern marble mining machinery, gadgets, hi-tech skill for marble processing, manufacturing and marketing to the United States of America, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Far East, Japan and China.

The investors and industrialists from the USA, Spain, UAE, Japan and China are showing keen interest in the improvement and development of marble mining and manufacturing at the marble city Gaddani.

Except for royalty, there is no provincial or local levy or tax imposed on marble mining and mineral. There is also no sales tax on marble mineral meant for export. Marble mining and value added mineral processing have been placed in category A industries.

There would be tax relief; initial depreciation allowance (IDA) at the rate of 50 percent of machinery and equipment cost for marble sector. Marble is abundantly available in NWFP, Fata, Balochistan and Sindh as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to geological survey of Pakistan, marble/aragonite deposits had been estimated at 458.149 million tonnes in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. NWFP leads in marble reserves with 441.551 million tonnes followed by 7.398 million tonnes in Balochistan, seven million tonnes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and 2.2 million tonnes in Sindh. Besides, there are inexhaustible marble reserves in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata). Punjab has no marble mines.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=550335&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

'Government focusing on uplift of Balochistan'

KAKUL (April 15 2007): President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said the government was focusing on the development of Balochistan, aimed at improving the living standard of people, reducing poverty and generating job opportunities.

"Various mega development projects including in communication sector, dams, ports, health and education were initiated by the present government", he said while talking to students and cadets from Balochistan after the passing out parade of 115 PMA Long Course here at Pakistan Military Academy.

The President told the 61 students - who were specially flown from Quetta to Kakul to witness the passing out parade - that government was encouraging the participation of youth from Balochistan in every field including Pakistan Army.

"You should get inspiration from these 28 cadets from Balochistan who have passed out today from PMA", he remarked and added the government will provide all help and assistance in this respect. The President, who had frank exchange of views with the students from Balochistan however maintained that they should focus on education, especially the quality education.

The students from Balochistan, who were very enthusiastic to be so close to the President, asked various questions and vowed that they will focus on studies to secure an honour like those 28 cadets from Balochistan who achieved the privilege of joining Pakistan Army to serve the country and nation.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=550639&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Britain, Poland show interest in Balochistan

KARACHI: A delegation from Poland and Britain headed by Jonathan Webber Head of International Trade Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and industry and Marek Moron Regional Manager of the Kopex S A, a renowned mining engineering company from Poland, showed investment interest in Balochistan.

Webber said that the consistency of supply and quality of the products delivered to United Kingdom and Europe would enhance the business image of Pakistan. He said this during a meeting with President of the Balochistan Economic Forum Sardar Shoukat Popalzai.

He introduced his chamber mentioning that this was currently their 9th mission to Pakistan and to date almost 120 companies have come through them to do business in Pakistan.

He said that the key did not lie within just selling a product, but within trading and finding partners who would guide each other or act as mediators to help for the business. He also praised Pakistan as a very hospitable land and one of the best places to do business.

He said that Pakistan retains very intelligent and business focused environment. He said that it is important to teach the small and medium enterprises how to deal with the foreign markets so that proper trade missions may be sent and exchange of business can take place.

Appreciating the mega projects being developed in Balochistan, he also highlighted the importance of Gwadar Port to Europe, he announced that another mission of his chamber would visit Balochistan in November 2007 and assured that visit to the province would be a positive one.

The president highlighted the economic importance of the province saying that this year the forum would celebrate 15 years of its founding.

He said that major companies of UK have invested in power sector and some of the industrial projects are progressing in different industrial estates here and leading oil and gas exploration companies either have direct or thorough joint venture stakes in the province. UK can help in transfer of technology/direct investment/ joint ventures in energy, fisheries, fruit processing/agro-food, tourism, livestock and mineral development. British government and representative bodies can also enlighten the British business concerns regarding the investment potential of the province through visits of trade/ governmental delegations on reciprocal basis, besides holding of conferences/exhibitions.

Zahid Hussain former Ambassador and Col (Retd) Syed Akbar former chairman PACCO said that the province offers very attractive opportunities in the coal mining sector and many foreign companies have shown their keen interest in providing technology and expertise to develop and modernise its coal mines. The delegation is very optimistic about exploring the coal mining investment opportunities in Balochistan.

Consul General of Poland Ireneusz Makles said that Poland would go extra miles to support the economic development in the province. He said that Poland and Pakistan are not neighbouring countries but they are mutually attractive partners. Both are privileged by nature of their location. As such Pakistan can become a leading, regional hub with a specific role of being a trade and energy corridor for China and Central Asian countries.

He said that another delegation is arriving in Pakistan in the first week of May 2007 to sign an investment agreement with the private sector from Balochistan to establish warehouse of building stones in Warsaw. The delegation would also help develop modern quarries.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=52924

 

[Neo]

Balochistan to have technical, vocational institutions

ISLAMABAD: May 04, 2007: In order to boost technical and vocational education and training (TVET), National Vocational and Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC) has decided to set up educational institutions in Balochistan to provide latest and skill-oriented educational facilities to the youth.

To ensure geographical coverage, around 48 institutions will be established in the first phase where no technical education institution exists in the Province, Official told here Friday.

Moreover, he said two technical education institutions will be operationalized by July 15 this year in Sibbi and Sui in collaboration with Balochistan Institute of Technical Education (BITE).

"Through this intervention, an additional pool of 3,200 people will be trained by the end of this year," he added.

"NAVTEC is pursuing this programme on the directive of the president and under the prime minister's special initiative," the official said.

The Commission, in collaboration with BITE, has already launched model skills training programme in areas where there is skills shortage as well as special courses for women.

All the courses are offered free of charge and course participants are provided monthly stipend.

Brecorder.com

 

[Neo]

Musharraf for gearing up Balochistan uplift schemes

QUETTA (May 12 2007): President General Pervez Musharraf has directed the authorities to gear up development work in Balochistan so as to complete the same within minimum possible time. Speaking at a briefing here on Friday on federal government development projects in the province, he laid emphasis on construction of maximum number of dams to overcome water scarcity in the province.

"This would also prompt the people to settle around water sources", he observed. He directed NHA authorities to complete all highways and roads being undertaken by it within the shortest possible time so that the people could benefit at the earliest.

He also laid emphasis on capacity building so that development process could pick up pace. Referring to Kachhi canal, the president directed the concerned authorities to look into lining of the 76-km portion of canal in Balochistan when it was pointed out that this portion would not be lined as due to hard bed there would be no seepage.

The president asked Wapda authorities to review the matter as elected representatives from Balochistan objected to the decision fearing water logging in the area.

He further assured the Balochistan government to look into the matter when Provincial Minister for Finance Syed Ehsan Shah proposed 25 percent share for the province in case of privatisation of PPL to ensure a permanent source of revenue.

About development of Gwadar port city, he said the main focus of the government was to build it as a modern city and connect it with the rest of the country by road and rail network. In this connection he directed NHA to speed up construction of Gwadar-Khuzdar motorway along with the Surab-Basima-Panjgur highway simultaneously.

The president lauded the training school being run at the EME center Quetta where hundreds of students are getting technical training. He said similar centers would be established in other garrisons of the province to facilitate civilians to get technical education. He expressed satisfaction over the pace of development in the province including Khushal Pakistan Programme, MNAs and Senators schemes.

Governor Balochistan Owais Ahmed Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Muhammed Yousuf, Federal Minister Zubaida Jalal, Minister of State Mir Nasir Mengal, provincial ministers, Chief Secretary KB Rind, Corps Commander Lieutenant General Hamid Rab Nawaz, Inspector General Frontier Corps and senior officials attended the briefing.

Meanwhile, President Musharraf speaking at an inaugural ceremony of Balochistan Institute of Technical Education (BITE) here urged the youth from Balochistan to get education and be part of the ongoing development drive in the province for bright future of Pakistan.

He said that skilled and educated youth were a guarantee to the bright future of the province as well as the country. Balochistan Governor Awais Ahmed Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yusuf and Corps Commander Lieutenant General Hamid Rub Nawaz were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the president was briefed that the institute had been established by Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) Center Quetta in collaboration with Navtec, Dawood Yamaha, Atlas Honda and SKB.

Classes at the institute had commenced from February 26 this year and a total of 259 students, including 33 females are currently undergoing training in 9 different disciplines. During four-month course at the institute, each student is provided with free accommodation, food, medical facilities, uniforms and books besides a stipend of Rs 1,000 monthly.

Expressing satisfaction on standard of training being imparted at the institute, the president announced that every student would be given free equipment according to his or her trade to jump start their career. The president also visited the classrooms and saw the students at work.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=562594&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

May 12, 2007
‘Balochistan to get share in PPL sale’

QUETTA, May 11: President Pervez Musharraf has said that Balochistan will get 25 per cent share if the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is privatised.

He was presiding over a meeting held here on Friday. Discussing a proposal of Balochistan Finance Minister Syed Ehsan Shah in this regard, the president said it would be a source of income for the province.

President Musharraf ordered that the focus of the development strategy for Balochistan should be on Gwadar and the port should be expanded.

He said the government wanted to develop Gwadar as a ‘modern city’ and link it with the rest of the country through a rail and road network.

Chief Secretary K.B. Rind briefed the president about various ongoing development projects and other issues.

President Musharraf directed the officials concerned to complete work on various projects in the minimum possible time.

He underlined the need for constructing the maximum number of delay-action dams in the province to help meet water shortage. He directed the National Highway Authority to complete construction of roads as soon as possible. He said the NHA should accelerate work on the Gwadar-Khuzdar motorway, Surab-Basima-Panjgur highway.

He asked the officials concerned to study the possibility of cementing 76 per cent of the canals in the province as demanded by the provincial government to check wastage of water.

The president was also briefed about the construction of a flyover and establishment of arts and home economics colleges in the provincial capital.

Earlier, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Balochistan Institute of Technical Education at EME Centre, President Musharraf urged the youths of Balochistan to obtain maximum vocational training and join hands with the government in the development of the province.

He thanked the private sector for helping establish the institute and said it should also provide jobs to the students after they completed their education.

The EME Centre commandant said such institutes would also be set up in Sibi and Sui soon.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/12/top13.htm

 

[ahussains]

May 12, 2007
‘Balochistan to get share in PPL sale’

QUETTA, May 11: President Pervez Musharraf has said that Balochistan will get 25 per cent share if the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is privatised.

He was presiding over a meeting held here on Friday. Discussing a proposal of Balochistan Finance Minister Syed Ehsan Shah in this regard, the president said it would be a source of income for the province.

President Musharraf ordered that the focus of the development strategy for Balochistan should be on Gwadar and the port should be expanded.

He said the government wanted to develop Gwadar as a ‘modern city’ and link it with the rest of the country through a rail and road network.

Chief Secretary K.B. Rind briefed the president about various ongoing development projects and other issues.

President Musharraf directed the officials concerned to complete work on various projects in the minimum possible time.

He underlined the need for constructing the maximum number of delay-action dams in the province to help meet water shortage. He directed the National Highway Authority to complete construction of roads as soon as possible. He said the NHA should accelerate work on the Gwadar-Khuzdar motorway, Surab-Basima-Panjgur highway.

He asked the officials concerned to study the possibility of cementing 76 per cent of the canals in the province as demanded by the provincial government to check wastage of water.

The president was also briefed about the construction of a flyover and establishment of arts and home economics colleges in the provincial capital.

Earlier, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Balochistan Institute of Technical Education at EME Centre, President Musharraf urged the youths of Balochistan to obtain maximum vocational training and join hands with the government in the development of the province.

He thanked the private sector for helping establish the institute and said it should also provide jobs to the students after they completed their education.

The EME Centre commandant said such institutes would also be set up in Sibi and Sui soon.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/12/top13.htm

Thanx Neo for such a nice articals about the Balochistan YOU have a KEEN eye on Media...

Keep it UP ...

 

[Neo]

Map of Balochistan

 

[Interceptor]

Pak-Iran border trade to be raised to $1 billion

Dahmardeh, Owais resolve to adopt effective measures to combat terrorism, drug trafficking

By Muhammad Ejaz Khan

QUETTA: The governors of Iranian Seistan-Baluchistan province and Pakistan’s Balochistan have reiterated their resolve to adopt effective measures to combat terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal movement on the Pak-Iran border.

They have agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in different sectors, including trade, commerce, energy, education, communications, besides addressing the border-related issues.

The visiting governor-general of Seistan-Baluchistan, Dr Habibullah Dahmardeh, held talks with Balochistan Governor Owais Ghani at the Governor House here on Friday.

The talks covered all the areas of bilateral cooperation, especially the bilateral trade promotion by resolving the problems faced by the traders of the two countries and extending them more facilities and incentives.

The proposals for launching an air service between Quetta and Zahidan and a ferry service between Gwadar and Chah Bahar port were also discussed. To this effect, the two governors agreed to more discussion on the proposals by the authorities concerned of the two sides in Tehran in August.

The two governors resolved to increase the bilateral trade via Balochistan to Rs 60 billion ($1 billion) in near future. They noted that the volume of the trade via Balochistan-Seistan-Baluchistan border was Rs 7.5 billion a couple of years ago, but had doubled in 2005-06 to Rs 16 billion.

Governor Ghani informed the Iranian delegation that the Pakistan government had identified 463 items for exports to Iran under preferential trade tariff while Iran had proposed some 400 items for export to Pakistan with certain tax and customs duty exemptions.

He said the number of trade facilitation centres on the Pak-Iran border would be increased to boost the bilateral trade. He added that the communication system would also be improved in future.

Ghani praised Dahmardeh’s key role in resolving the issue of the Pakistani Consulate in Zahidan, which was subjected to a 100-year-old litigation.

Dahmardeh said that Pakistan and Iran could go a long way in improving their bilateral relations in different sectors, especially in trade and border security issues. He said that Iran wanted peace, development and prosperity in Pakistan and that his country would extend all sorts of cooperation in this regard.

At a joint press conference, Dahmardeh said that all the issues regarding smuggling and border security should be resolved through mutual cooperation and understanding.

He referred to the construction of a wall along the border in Taftan, saying: “It is just meant to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal movement of the miscreants.” He added that different points would be established on the border for the legal trade activities.

Dahmardeh said terrorism needs to be addressed in the world perspective. “The two countries should not give terrorists a free hand rather combat the issue with unity.”

APP adds: Dahmardeh reiterated his government’s intentions to extend all kinds of support and cooperation to Pakistan in gas, electricity, railways, highways, universities and higher education. He suggested refurbishment of the weak and old railway track between Zahidan and Quetta for the speedy movement of goods between the two neighbouring countries.

This would increase the quantum of bilateral trade between the countries. Besides, he added, trade between Gwadar and Chah Behar ports should also be introduced.

Dehmarde further offered cooperation and joint venture between the two countries in mining and mineral development sector.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=56667

 

[Interceptor]

Balochistan govt finalising budget for 2007-08

QUETTA: With the lengthening shadows of lawlessness, cash crunch and impending drought looming large over Balochistan, Jam Muhammad Yousuf’s PML-MMA coalition government is finalising the provincial budget for the financial year 2007-08.

Ever since its induction, the PML-MMA coalition government has come across deficit budget. The current fiscal year’s Rs 59.69 billion budget shows a staggering sum shortfall of Rs 10.96 billion.

Every effort has been made to bridge the gap through austerity measures, local resource generators and federal grants.

Balochistan had been benefited by an increase of about Rs 4 billion in its federal divisible pool share from the federal government under an interim NFC award announced by President Musharraf and implemented by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. But, bulk of this has been eaten away by additional expenditures on law and order.

The militancy in the mountains with acts of terrorism, subversion and extremism on the plains has been telling too much on fragile provincial financial resources.

These criminal acts are also preventing foreign and domestic investors from investing in the improvement and development of marine and mineral rich resources for the third consecutive financial year 2006-07.

During this fiscal year, more than Rs 800 million is reported to have been spent on setting up additional security posts in and around gas producing areas. These security steps have provided protection to natural fuel gas installations and prevented gas supply interruptions to gas consumers across the country from Marri-Bugti tribal areas of Balochistan.

The sources said another loss to Balochistan during the current fiscal year is of Rs 1.7 billion in royalty and gas development surcharge proceeds. This is due to much lower gas production and gas supply interruptions from natural fuel gas-fields at Sui, Loti and Pirokh. The sources added decrease of Rs 1.7 billion under the head of royalty and gas development surcharge and increase of Rs 1.6 billion in pays and pensions for serving and retired provincial government employees during the ongoing financial year have further weakened the already fragile financial base in Balochistan for the present coalition government to grapple with Balochistan budget 2007-08.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=56670

 

[Neo]

Balochistan's uplift transforming lives of people: Prime Minister

ISLAMABAD (May 23 2007): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday said that record development work in Balochistan was transforming the life of people of the province and vowed that the process would be further accelerated. Talking to Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Muhammad Yousaf who is also the President of PML at PM House.

The Prime Minister complimented him for strengthening the party in the province and building a viable coalition for the next general election. Balochistan provincial Minister for Finance Ehsan Shah also attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for doing more to improve the standard of education in the province particularly in the far-flung areas. He said that education was essential for future development of the province and must be given increased resources to improve literacy levels.

He also emphasised the need for increased opportunities for education of women so that they could play their role in nation-building activities. He said that apart from introducing Women Protection Act and other legislation, the government has also enhanced job quota and provided other facilities to enable women in Pakistan progress further.

The meeting also discussed the upcoming federal and provincial budgets and the Prime Minister emphasised that the budget should be people-friendly and development-oriented, so that the momentum of growth and development continues further.

Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Muhammad Yousaf said that the PML and its allied parties have gained considerable strength due to the unprecedented pace of development, improvement in basic facilities like health and education and improving law and order situation in the province. He said that PML, has launched a mass contact campaign along with the allied parties to resolve problems of the people.

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