KARACHI: Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Maliki on Monday distributed relief checks among the 2013 Balochistan quake affectees of Awaran and Dhandar area of Turbat, according to a press release issued by the Government of Baluchistan.

The relief checks were distributed under the project of reconstruction of houses in quake stricken areas from Saudi grant. 

"The event took place at Chief Minister Secretariat wherein Saudi envoy distributed cheques," Azeem Kakar, spokesperson for Baluchistan government told Arab News. 

Kakar said the Saudi government besides extending a help of Rs2.5 billion to reconstruct some 8,000 houses in Dhandar area of Turbat and Awaran district, also announced to provide Rs105 millions for basic infrastructure in the earthquake affected areas and Rs155 million for creating employment opportunities in these affected regions. 

'Almost 65 percent of the Baluchistan population is totally dependent on agriculture. Saudi envoy showed interest to invest in this sector by providing solar energy to agricultural land,"  Kakar said. 

The Saudi envoy also showed interest in helping install water desalination plants as water is a major issue of Baluchistan, he said, adding that the third sector which will get Saudi investment is the oil sector.

"The Saudi envoy said that the projects will be soon given practical shapes," he said.

Both sides agreed that economic cooperation will further strengthen the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, added Kakar.

CM Baluchistan thanked the Saudi envoy for extending help to the people of province and presented him souvenirs, said Kakar.