President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of and former provincial of Mian Zahid Hussain on Monday said that the biggest provinces of the Country with respect to land has turned to a centre of sectarian terrorism, political instability and bad law and order which is equally affecting the masses and Country’s stability. Quetta has distinguished historical background and recognized as a centre of trade and communication between Afghanistan and Pakistan, playing a vital roles in Balochistan’s economy.
The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that Quetta and its outskirts are famous for horticulture; fruits produced have distinguished taste and quality. Agro products include wheat, barley, fodder and various vegetables. Livestock is comparatively developed sub sector of agriculture which not only suffices the demand of the province but also exported to other parts of the Country. Majority of masses are associated with this sector to earn their livelihood.
The former minister said that 650 KM Quetta – Gwader section has been completed while Quetta mass transit system is an essential part of CPEC. Mining, Agriculture, Horticulture and Livestock trade have huge potential in Quetta and the surrounding areas. Gwader port will significantly affect the province’ population and will boost the economic growth in the region. After reserves of gas and coal, the world’s largest copper deposits (and its matrix-associated residual gold) have been found at Reko Diq in the Chagai District of Baluchistan. The deposits at Reko Diq are hoped to be even bigger than those of Iran and Chile.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that despite huge mineral reserves Baluchistan is far behind the mark in education, growth and employment. Peace has been restored to a greater extent with the efforts of Pakistan Army and FC but still there are sectarian killing and political instability that causes the low progress in the region. BAP has secured 15 seats in the recent election and rose as the biggest political party while MMA secured 9, BNP 6, independent 6 and PTI 4 seats. The elected parties and political leaders should jointly work to defeat foreign conspiracy to strengthen Country’s defence and economy.