Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Monday said the provincial government has been working on an effective policy for the development of the province’s 700km long coastline to yield major energy and tourism benefits for the people of the province.Chairing a meeting regarding the Coastal Development Authority, Kamal said through implementation of the policy planned for Balochistan’s coastal strip, tourism and energy sectors would be developed.The initiative would benefit the local economy, he said, adding that reforms in government departments have become imperative. Special Assistant to Chief Minister Mir Abdul Rauf Rind, Mir Umair Muhammad Hassani, Additional Secretary Abdul Rehman Buzdar and DG Balochistan Coastal Development Authority Babar Khan were also present on the occasion.CM Kamal emphasised that by ensuring good governance, the overall performance of the province’s departments could be further enhanced. He reiterated his commitment and the government’s plan to turn the coastal strip into a major tourist attraction, calling initiative beneficial and for the economy.“Gadani, Pasni, Jiwani, Kund Malir and Haft Talar island are the most beautiful and attractive spots in Balochistan which need government assistance,” Kamal said while vowing to develop tourism spots along the coastline of Balochistan.Kamal also vowed to provide all the facilities to traders in the province. Lauding the businessman community, the chief minister said the latter has been playing an effective role in boosting Balochistan’s economy.“The incumbent government has been making efforts to foster trade and economic activities in Balochistan,” he said on Monday while meeting a delegation of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) led by Senior Vice President Badaruddin Kakar.Talking about job opportunities in the province, the chief minister urged the traders and industrialists to avail benefits from provincial mineral resources in order to yield job opportunities.“Balochistan has become the future of Pakistan hence the federal government is providing various opportunities to gear up country’s economy through better utilisation of the province’s resources,” Kamal added.The QCCI’s delegation briefed CM about their issues and 0Kamal pledged to provide a conducive business environment to traders in Balochistan. He also laid stress on the use of modern technology in the province’s agriculture sector.Jam Kamal also directed all concerned authorities to complete early arrangements to counter Kyarr Typhoon which is expected to hit the province’s coastal cities.“The typhoon would hit Balochistan after hitting the gulf state of Oman; therefore, we should be prepared to deal with any danger,” he said.He directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PMDA)and natural disaster departments to complete their safety arrangements and inform people living in the coastal areas about the preventive measures they must take.Published in The Express Tribune, October 29, 2019.