Historic Agreement Between Balochistan Government and PPL to Benefit Local Communities

Quetta:The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sardarfaraz Bugti, has announced a landmark agreement between the provincial government and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), aimed at providing significant benefits to the residents of Sui and the broader Balochistan region. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the mutual agreement, Bugti described it as a milestone in the province’s history, emphasizing that it would directly benefit local communities.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, Managing Director and CEO of PPL, Imran Abbas, Secretary of Energy for Balochistan, Dawood Khan Bazi, and tribal elders were also present at the event.

Bugti highlighted the importance of the Kachhi Canal project, which, despite setbacks due to the 2022 floods, has brought prosperity to the region. He expressed gratitude to Ahsan Iqbal for his attention to the project and requested that its second and third phases be completed promptly to ensure water supply to local farmers.

The Chief Minister praised PPL for prioritizing the welfare of Balochistan’s people, noting that unlike past agreements that were made behind closed doors, this one is being conducted transparently in public. PPL has also committed to providing annual scholarships for 50 children to study at prestigious institutions such as Lawrence College and Hassan Abdal College.

In a bid to improve local employment, Bugti announced that PPL would offer jobs to 14 local diploma holders and 7 engineers every year, with recruitment based on merit, without any favoritism.

Additionally, the provincial government has launched a Skill Development Program aimed at sending young people from Balochistan abroad for training. PPL will also assist in this initiative by offering training for 50 children annually, preparing them for employment opportunities abroad.

Bugti further introduced the “Sui Model City Project,” which will revamp local infrastructure, including roads, sewage systems, street lights, and parks, with PPL’s collaboration. He emphasized that with the federal government’s support, this initiative could even lead to the establishment of a medical college and university in Sui.

In an effort to address local water scarcity, PPL has committed to providing 10 million gallons of water daily to the Sui community. The company will also help in the restoration and upgrading of old government buildings in Dera Bugti.

In closing, Bugti urged that the national anthem be played at all future government events, expressing regret that it was not included during the ceremony. He concluded his speech with the patriotic slogan “Pakistan Zindabad.”