Kayani inaugurates mineral development project in Zhob

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani inaugurated Musakhel Minerals Development Project in Zhob district of Balochistan province on Friday. Addressing on the occasion, he said that peace and unity were the key elements to take benefits of natural resources and added, the Musakhel Minerals Development project was a gift for the people of Balochistan on Independence Day.
He said that the project was completed in five months during which the geological survey of this area rather phase of lease agreement and mining were completed. General Kayani said all the tribes of Musakhel not only took keen interest in the project but also extended complete co-operation to FC and resolve their all difference through negotiations.
Congratulating the people, he informed that according to initial estimates, there were two to five million tons of coal deposits besides marble and gypsum which could create employment opportunities for the local for next 12 to 15 years. The Army Chief said that initial survey for exploration of gas has been completed in Musakhel in the last month, adding, these natural resources would open doors for employment for thousands of people.
The large portion of the income to be generated through this project would be spent for welfare of people and foundation laying of a high school in Musakhel was its evidence. He said this project would open avenues for the development of Musakhel district as well as the adjoining areas.
General Kayani said that Musakhel project was continuity of the efforts which Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps (FC) were carrying out for the people of Balochistan in education, health and employment. He referred to Sui Education City where Military College Sui has started its educational activities from April this year, Balochistan Institute of Technical Education where 4,480 students have completed their education, Gawadar Institute of Technical Education, Chamalong Education Programme and Garrison Sports Complex ad Medical College in Quetta.
The Army Chief said that 6,000 soldiers would be recruited in the Army from Balochistan province this year adding, this number would reach 12,000 in two years. He said that development and progress of people could guarantee defence of the country and said Pak Army and FC would continue to assist people in development projects in Balochistan. He also felicitated people of Loralai district and Tehsil Dukki who alongwith FC carried out an agreement of coal project which doubled the production of coal and helped maintain peace in the areas.