*ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the first meeting of theNational Development Council at Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday.*

According to a press release, development plan of Balochistan, Master Planof Gwadar, Creation of CPEC Authority and Accelerated Development Plan2019-20 for erstwhile FATA/merged districts was discussed during themeeting.

A detailed presentation was made on the *development* plan of Balochistanthat included measures to further improve security environment in theprovince especially the border management, improving the writ of state andsectoral development of critical sectors for socio-economic betterment ofthe people of province.

The meeting was informed that the past neglect of the province, lack ofconnectivity and economic integration, security challenges andunderutilization and mismanagement of resources contributed towards povertyin the province. A study of utilization of development budget for pasteight years revealed that out of total expenditure made on the developmentof the province, approximately 45% was wasted due to pilferage.

It was decided that every possible effort shall be made to enhance annualdevelopment spending of the province over next 09 years enabling theprovince to overcome development challenges, reduce budget deficit andenhance its revenue generation capacity.

Discussing various sectoral development plans, the meeting was informedthat communication and infrastructure projects such as completion of M-8Motorway project, construction of 819 km Chaman-Quetta-Karachi Motorway,Basima-Khuzdar Road and 124 km Awaran-Bela Road project would significantlyimprove connectivity and communication infrastructure in the province.

On development of coastal areas of the province, the forum approved, inprincipal, undertaking feasibility studies for port at Gaddani andestablishment of Special Economic Zone at Hub.

The forum also approved constitution of *National Coastal DevelopmentAuthority* for development of tourist resorts and promoting tourism alongthe coastal areas of the province including Jiwani, Gawadar, Pasni, Makola,Ormara, Kund Malir, Hingol Park and Miani Hor.

*On development of ports,* the forum endorsed the proposal for developmentof 08 landing sites and promoting local boat industry including provisionof 10,000 Green Boats. On strategy for development of mines and mineralresources of the province, the forum was informed that the province will bedivided into four zones (Chagai Zone, Quetta-Duki, Khuzdar-Lasbella andCoastal Zone) and appropriate model will be put in place to encourageprivate investment in large-scale mining.

*On development of oil and gas sector,* the forum was apprised on effortsbeing made to develop 4 new blocks i.e., Block-28, Zhob, Zorgarh, Jandran &Kohlu for exploration, in addition to carrying out seismic survey at 30onshore sites. The meeting was also briefed about various plans forimprovement of agriculture and water-management in the province.

The forum approved, in principal, constitution of *CPEC Authority* forensuring fast track implementation of CPEC projects. Discussing developmentof *Gwadar and Master Plan* of the city, the forum approved, in principal,the conceptual framework of Gwadar Special Economic District.

The forum also discussed, in detail, *Accelerated Ten Year DevelopmentPlan* forerstwhile FATA. The forum reiterated the commitment of the FederalGovernment to ensure availability of allocated funds, timely releases andspecial dispensation for procurement of specialized execution agencies(NESPAK, FWO, NHA) and facilitation for screened NGOs to operate withinmerged areas for smooth and uninterrupted development of the merged areas.