Quetta - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday performed groundbreaking of Cadet College Awaran (CCA) at Jhao.

Initially, the college will be for 800 cadets with plans to enhance its capacity subsequently, the ISPR said, adding that it would have hostel facilities for 300 cadets and faculty. The army engineers will complete the project in two years.

The army chief was on two-day visit to Balochistan, where he also inaugurated work for Turbat-Buleda Road. He arrived in Balochistan on Sunday and laid foundation stone of UAE and Swiss government supported Gwadar desalination plant in Gwadar.

The COAS stayed night at Turbat during his visit to Balochistan and interacted with local elders of Turbat at Headquarters of FC Balochistan, said ISPR.

Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the joint working of security forces and civil administration for national development.

“The continuity of efforts with national commitment is the way forward to bring about the desired development and stability in the province,” the army chief said.

On his arrival, General Officer Commanding Major General Zaki Manj briefed the army chief about security steps. Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, who accompanied the COAS, reiterated his government’s resolve to restore peace to the province.  Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Salim Bajwa and other officials were also present.

The army chief also attended closing ceremony of Mekran Festival. Speaking on the occasion, the army chief said that provision of civic facilities and peaceful environment in less developed areas of Balochistan was a dream come true. "The people of Balochistan and Turbat have the rights for provision of similar facilities as in rest of Pakistan," Gen Bajwa said, adding that Khushal Balochistan programme was aimed at safeguarding this right.

The army chief remarked that presence of such a large gathering at this festival was testimony of the fact that Balochistan was moving towards peace and prosperity which was future of Pakistan’s progress as well.

Fireworks were also held at the end of the ceremony which added colour to the festive mood of the spectators.  He will be visiting Awaran on Tuesday (today).