QUETTA: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday quashed the ongoing rumours regarding the possibility of early elections in the country. “The government will complete its duration in June 2018 and elections will be held two months later,” Abbasi said while addressing a press conference in Quetta. “This is how democracy works,” he said, “The government runs as per the constitution and the law should always be above everything else.” The premier was in Quetta to announce a 10-year development package for Balochistan. “A 10-year package for Balochistan will be made, which will include natural gas, electricity and water schemes,” he said, as he announced the installation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in each district of the province. The premier had arrived in Quetta earlier in the day to review the law and order situation and ongoing development projects initiated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also held a high-level meeting at the Governor House in Quetta and said that the Centre was ready to assist the province in any way required in the fight against terrorism. During the meeting, Zehri said the situation of law and order had improved in the province, adding that the back of the terrorists had been broken. The prime minister had to once again reiterate that the government would complete its tenure after calls for early elections had increased in recent days. The meeting offered prayers for the martyrs of terrorist incident that occurred recently in Quetta. The Balochistan home secretary presented a detailed briefing on the law and order. The prime minister stated that sacrifices rendered by all law enforcement agencies’ personnel were unmatched for bringing peace to Balochistan. Under the newly announced development project, all union councils in the province would receive electricity, water, gas, health and educational facilities, PM Abbasi told reporters. He added that the federal government would provide 50 percent of the funds for the plan while the provincial government would finance the remaining half. The prime minister said the provincial government had given a proposal for this package, which was agreed upon by the federal government. About his engagements in Quetta, the prime minister said he chaired two meetings on law and order and the development projects in Balochistan. He said during the meeting on development projects, besides other development projects, Rs 20 billion project being undertaken by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) regarding the mixing of LPG in the gas supply system was reviewed. The premier also announced the installation of 11 liquefied natural gas plants in different parts of the province at the cost of Rs 200 million. He also addressed the lack of facilities available for Shia pilgrims visiting Iran via road, and promised that the government would ensure that all kinds of facilities were provided to travellers at the Pak-Iran border at Taftan. Published in Daily Times, November 15th 2017.