Islamabad: On his way to Iran for a two-day state visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday briefly stopped at Quetta and met families and victims of the Hazara community, which was targeted by a militant attack on April 12 that killed 20 people and left several injured.
A number of ministers earlier met with Hazara members of the community, which has been facing threats and has lost hundreds of its community members in terrorist attacks in the past, and assured that their grievances would be addressed. However, the community insisted Khan himself assure them security and protection from terrorists.
Khan met a delegation of the Hazara community and offered Fateha (a prayer for the guidance of God) for those killed in the attack. The Prime Minister assured them the state would take all measures to ensure their protection. Community elders briefed Khan of threats and demanded punishment for those behind such attacks.
Khan also launched the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme for the province, expressing his government’s commitment to uplift Balochistan and make it on a par with developed parts of the country.
Addressing the ceremony after laying down the foundation stone of the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, the prime minister said that in the past not much was done for Balochistan but his government will develop the province’s infrastructure and generate employment opportunities.
Khan also lashed out at the opposition saying two political parties — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) — plundered the country and made the poor’s lives much harder.
He said a country only develops when weak segments of society are looked after by the state. “No nation can progress unless corrupt elements are brought to justice as corruption is the main cause of the deprivation of various areas in the country,” said Khan.
The Prime Minister said the construction project of 5 million housing units aimed to provide shelter to common people who could not afford it.
He said a bill would be passed for introducing mortgage in Pakistan.
“State Bank of Pakistan is also encouraging commercial banks to disburse more housing loans to consumers,” said Khan, adding that many foreign investors have expressed interest in Pakistan’s housing sector.
Khan said more opportunities will be created for youth as they will be able to start construction companies to benefit from the housing boom. He said 40 industries were allied with the construction industry and the country would experience a boom in economy with the start and completion of the housing units.
The Prime Minister urged the youth to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs rather than looking at the government for jobs.
Earlier, Dr Imran Zeb Khan, Federal Secretary Housing and Works, while highlighting the project said Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal would supervise the project.
He said Pakistan lacked in 12 million housing units and a draft bill of Naya Pakistan Housing Authority has been created and would be presented before the parliament for approval.
