ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar says the government is fully focused on the development of Balochistan and 600 billion rupees will be spent on different projects in 9 districts of the province within three years.

Addressing a news conference along with Ministers for Information, Communications and Defence Productions in Islamabad on Thursday afternoon, he said these projects will help in bringing prosperity and improving law and order situation.

Asad Umar said 57 percent households of these districts will be provided electricity and gas. He said 16 small dams will be constructed enabling irrigation of 150 thousand acres of land while three plants for dates and olives will also be established.

He said the federal government will fully support Balochistan Exploration Company to explore minerals in the province.

The Minister said that 640,000 children will be given distance education using modern teaching while teachers will be trained for this purpose. He said 83000 children will be enrolled to schools providing 2000 rupees cash stipend for female and 1500 for male students.

Asad Umar said that over 200 basic health centers will be upgraded providing modern health equipment, doctors and other paramedical staff. He said several initiatives are being taken to meet malnutrition and stunting issues.

Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal said mega projects in 9 districts of Baluchistan will enable streamlining the province in the national development mainstream.

Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz said focusing all backward and underdeveloped areas, including Balochistan, is the top priority of the government.

Addressing on the occasion, communication Minister Murad Saeed said that several roads and highways with length 3083 kilometers will be constructed in the country including projects on west route under China Pakistan Economic Corridor. NNI