ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said that efforts have been initiated on regular talks with the disgruntled Baloch youth following the announcement of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Earlier, addressing a gathering of elders in Gwadar, PM Imran Khan said that the government was planning to reach out to the estranged Baloch youth for the sake of peace in Balochistan.
Imran Khan said he was mulling to talk to those elements in Balochistan who were either driven by their grudges or exploited by India in the past to spread anarchy in the country.
Regretting the past rulers’ persistent negligence towards Balochistan, he assured that the federal government would enhance its contribution for development of the province every year.
Addressing a press briefing after federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said that Fawad Chaudhry said that the cabinet congratulated the police and other concerned officials for exposing the network behind Lahore bombing.
The minister said, “We will soon uncover more evidence and fabrications of this terrorist network, adding that the main culprits involved in the bombing have been arrested. After Kulbhushan Jadhav, India s largest network was exposed.
Fawad Ch said that we want to give the right to vote to the overseas Pakistanis and in this regard, the report of the previous meetings was presented to the Cabinet, adding that Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz briefed the Cabinet on electronic voting machines.
He said PM Imran Khan has directed the concerned authorities to provide 3G and 4G internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to integrate the population with the vibrant digital domain. He said these services have already been provided in all the tribal districts.
The minister said the prime minister is of the view that provision of faster internet service is vital for educational and other activities; hence, people cannot be deprived of this for a long time.
Chaudhary said the cabinet was also briefed about Electronic Voting Machines and right to franchise for overseas Pakistanis through electronic voting. He said it was also informed that the electronic voting system will be ready by 15th of this month and that the Ministry of Science and Technology will likely prepare indigenous EVMs by 15th of this month.
He said: “A new all weather, international airport is being constructed at Skardu, while existing airports of Skardu and Gilgit are being upgraded to all-weather airports to promote tourism in the area.”
“The premier also directed for taking special measures to facilitate boarding and de-boarding of special persons and improving the testing and evaluation system to ensure transparency in recruitment process of government employees,” he said and added a four-member cabinet committee has been formed in this regard.
Fawad Ch said the government has formally started working on Prime Minister Imran Khan s vision of reaching out to estranged Baloch people, who are not involved in anti-state activities and hoped that it will bring harmony and tranquility to Balochistan. He said the Prime Minister took serious notice of excessive protocol of government functionaries and directed to reduce this practice to the minimum level.
He said Imran Khan also observed that Flag Act is not being followed in letter and spirit as only federal ministers and other designated functionaries are allowed to install flag on their vehicles.
The minister said the PM directed Capital Development Authority to take special measures to protect green areas in Islamabad Capital Territory.
