ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): The National Development Council (NDC) on Thursday decided that every possible effort would be made to enhance annual development spending of Balochistan over next nine years enabling the province to overcome development challenges, reduce budget deficit and enhance its revenue generation capacity.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired first meeting of the National Development Council here at Prime Minister’s Office.
Development plan of Balochistan, Master Plan of Gwadar, creation of CPEC Authority and Accelerated Development Plan 2019-20 for the erstwhile FATA/merged districts were discussed during the meeting.
A detailed presentation was made on the development plan of Balochistan that included measures to further improve security environment in the province, especially the border management, improving the writ of state and sectoral development of critical sectors for socio-economic betterment of its people.
The meeting was informed that the past neglect of the province, lack of connectivity and economic integration, security challenges and underutilization and mismanagement of resources contributed towards poverty in the province.
A study of utilization of development budget for past eight years revealed that out of total expenditure made on the development of the province, approximately 45% was wasted due to pilferage.
The forum also approved constitution of National Coastal Development Authority for development of tourist resorts and promoting tourism along the coastal areas of the province including Jiwani, Gawadar, Pasni, Makola, Ormara, Kund Malir, Hingol Park and Miani Hor.
Discussing development of Gwadar and Master Plan of the city, the forum approved, in principal, the conceptual framework of Gwadar Special Economic District.
The forum also discussed, in detail, Accelerated Ten Year Development Plan for the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It reiterated the commitment of the federal government to ensure availability of allocated funds, timely releases and special dispensation for procurement of specialized execution agencies (NESPAK, FWO, NHA) and facilitation for screened NGOs to operate within merged areas for smooth and uninterrupted development of the merged areas.
Source : VNS Islamabad
