QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo announced not to participate in National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for today, citing government’s “cold shoulder attitude” towards province. 

In statement, Balochistan Chief Minister said no representative from province will participate in meeting scheduled to take place here.

National Economic Council is highest forum to take decisions about needs and requirements of provinces. Council comprises four members appointed by premier and two members each from all provinces.

“Federal government did not fulfill promises it made for Balochistan’s development,” Chief Minister said, Centre’s attitude towards province is ‘disappointing’.

He recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced grants of Rs 10 billion for rehabilitation of victims of last year’s floods, regretting that no money had been released so far. “Flood victims are still waiting for their rehabilitation, but provincial government has no resources to rehabilitate them,” he added.

CM Bizenjo demanded government to include development projects of Balochistan’s MPA, MNA and Senators, in federal Public Sector Development Programme.

“Provincial government is not able to disburse development funds to these members due to its limited resources,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Budget 2023-24 would be presented on 9th June in the National Assembly after approval by the federal cabinet. The economic team made these remarks while briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about preparation of the budget for financial year 2023-24.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 06 2023

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