Latest news with #MirSarfrazBugti
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
New budget to focus on education, health: Bugti
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said the upcoming provincial budget will focus on health and education sectors and there will be no room for politically driven development schemes. The CM made these remarks while chairing a meeting on Tuesday at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming Balochistan Budget 202526 and the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The meeting was attended by provincial ministers and parliamentary leaders of coalition parties. Participants engaged in detailed deliberations on developmental priorities, effective allocation of financial resources, and initiatives aimed at public welfare. During the session, Chief Minister Bugti stated that the upcoming budget would be centered on sustainable development and the genuine needs of the people. He assured that recommendations from the parliamentary committee would be carefully incorporated into the final draft of the budget to ensure inclusivity and relevance. He reiterated the provincial government's commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in the utilization of development funds. Bugti emphasized that health and education would receive top priority and that all efforts would be made to ensure merit-based allocation of resources across all districts and union councils. "There will be no room for politically driven schemes. Every area and every citizen of Balochistan will be treated equally. It is my foremost responsibility to guarantee transparency in fund distribution," he said while addressing the parliamentary leaders. The meeting marks a significant step toward finalizing a budget aimed at stimulating economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding social services throughout the province.
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM calls for reflection on Baloch conflict
Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, addressing the Balochistan High Court Bar Association on Thursday, called upon Baloch intellectuals to critically assess the outcomes of decades-long conflicts and guide the younger generation wisely. He questioned whether the prolonged armed struggle and separatist rhetoric had brought any prosperity or merely deepened the province's hardships. Bugti recalled that the violence in the region escalated following the killing of Justice Nawaz Marri near a courthouse, which led to an FIR against Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and his sons. While Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri surrendered to authorities, his sons chose exile, giving rise to what later became known as the "angry Baloch" movement. The chief minister asserted that this movement had only inflicted pain on the province and its people. He acknowledged that despite various conspiracies, Pakistan's integrity has remained intact and its institutions have grown stronger. Bugti pointed out that Quetta is now peaceful, though remnants of separatist violence persist in distorted narratives. He criticized elements who once burned the national flag and promoted separatism but now pose as rights activists, calling this a betrayal of constitutional values. The chief minister condemned the glorification of armed struggle and voiced concern over some lawyers providing legal support to those accused of terrorism, warning that such actions undermine the Constitution. Highlighting the role of foreign interference, Bugti stated that hostile agencies have exploited the region to incite unrest in Balochistan. He urged the legal community to uphold the rule of law and become advocates for peace. In a positive move, Bugti announced financial assistance of Rs50 million for the High Court Bar Association. He also introduced several welfare schemes for lawyers, including housing projects.
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan govt to advertise BPS 1-15 jobs
Balochistan Cabinet has given a nod to advertise vacant government positions from grade 1 to 15 in order to create employment opportunities for the people of the province. The provincial cabinet also decided to immediately release the existing wheat stock in the open market in a bid to ensure smooth supply of the staple food. However, it has decided against procuring more wheat now to maintain stocks. It also approved Rs140 million funds for the Quetta Safe City Project and directed the concerned authorities to complete the project by June. A meeting of the Balochistan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, was held on Tuesday at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The session focused on national and provincial matters and approved several significant decisions. At the start of the meeting, the cabinet strongly condemned India's allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident. The ministers expressed regret over India's provocative approach despite Pakistan's offer for transparent investigations. They warned that such actions could threaten regional stability. The cabinet also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Nushki and extended solidarity with the affected families. The chief minister praised the timely response of the health department and rescue services during the relief operation. The Balochistan cabinet decided to take immediate action against smuggling across the province and ordered a thorough investigation into the Nushki incident. A number of legal and administrative reforms were approved during the session. These included the establishment of a special court to protect the property of overseas Pakistanis, amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the creation of a Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism. Improvements in the civil servants and employees benefit policy were also passed. For environmental protection, the cabinet approved new regulations including a Ship Recycling Law and measures for ending bonded labour and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bugti wants Mangi Dam project expedited
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that he directed concerned officials to complete construction of Mangi Dam at the earliest to meet shortage of water. Addressing inauguration ceremony of three QDP projects at Irrigation Department Office at Sairab Road Quetta, the Balochistan CM said the provincial government is striving to address issues of water supply to people in Quetta. Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that practical measures were being taken for beauty of Quetta City under Quetta Development Package. He said that no compromise would be made on delaying process of projects and quality of them, adding every individual has to play his role for the beauty of the city. Bugti said the provincial government is taking steps to make roads and walls beautiful. He warned of action against those involved in wall chalking, saying that no one would be allowed to spoil the beauty of the walls through wall chalking. It is gratifying that the people of Sariab are taking care of development projects which is positive sign of the area, said the CM, adding the airport road is also being made beautiful. Talking to media, he said special directives have also been issued to concerned officials to take action against those construction companies or contractors who would delay the projects. 32 outlets penalised for substandard food The Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) continues its province-wide campaign against the sale of substandard and hazardous food products with strict, uninterrupted, and non-discriminatory inspections in various districts. As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, inspection teams from BFA penalized a total of 32 food businesses across Quetta, Khuzdar, Ormara, and Sohbatpur for violations of food safety laws, including the sale of expired and low-quality food items. According to a BFA spokesperson, multiple food outlets and factories in Quetta were inspected. Actions were taken against several bakeries, hotels, general stores, fast food corners, an ice lolly unit, a traditional bread (kulcha) factory, and the canteen of BMC Hospital due to poor hygiene, non-compliance with safety protocols, and the provision of unsafe food. A milk vendor on Arbab Karam Khan Road was also fined after it was confirmed that milk was adulterated with powder and water. In Khuzdar, the zonal inspection team seized and destroyed large quantities of expired biscuits, cakes, chocolates, packaged spices, and harmful Chinese salt from five confectionery and general stores. Hefty fines were imposed on the shopkeepers involved. Similarly, in Ormara, expired and banned edible items were confiscated from a wholesaler and two general stores. In Sohbatpur, serious violations of hygiene standards led to legal action against a poultry shop and a hotel. APP
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM urges respect for constitutional limits amid BNP protest
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen, the authority to allow public assemblies lies with the government, and everyone must respect the constitutional framework. He expressed these views during a meeting with Nawabzada Mir Israrullah Khan Zehri and Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Monday. The two Baloch nationalist leaders called on the CM to pave the way for a negotiated settlement regarding the ongoing long march of BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal. The meeting focused on the ongoing protest by the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), as well as the overall political situation in the province. CM Bugti briefed the two leaders on the government's political and administrative efforts to resolve the matter. He revealed that three rounds of dialogue had already been held with BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal. "Out of the three demands presented by him, one has been accepted by the government," he said, adding that despite the government's serious efforts to reach a political resolution, the response from the other side remained non-cooperative, leading to a continued deadlock. The chief minister, along with Zehri and Bangulzai, stressed the importance of joint efforts for lasting peace in Balochistan. They also agreed to continue political dialogue and engagement to address issues. Meanwhile, a shutter-down strike was observed in various parts of Balochistan on the call of Balochistan National Party in solidarity with the BNP protest. The BNP, led by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, has been staging a sit-in in the Lupas area of Quetta for over a week.
