QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has urged the federal government to expedite the work on the next phase of Kachhi canal so that more than 800,000 acres of land in his province could be brought under cultivation.

Speaking after the inauguration ceremony of the project in Taunsa, CM Bugti said the country is becoming stronger, and Balochistan, which had lagged behind other provinces, will also advance with the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He said work on the Kachhi canal project, which started in 2002, has yet to complete.

The CM said Balochistan does not require a lined canal due to high costs of repeated repairs, and suggested that the next 100-kilometre phase should be unlined. He said the project could be completed within two to three months if expedited with the “Shehbaz speed”.

The chief minister expressed concern over the conspiracy to weaken the country on ethnic grounds. He emphasised that Punjab has always welcomed people from all regions, including the Baloch, offering opportunities for business and education.

CM Bugti said terrorists do not belong to any tribe, religion or nation.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2024