QUETTA, Mar 31 (APP):The Balochistan government has finalized a robust provincial strategy to tackle economic challenges, with Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti pledging relief for the poor while tightening government spending. The meeting at the CM Secretariat, chaired by CM Bugti, brought together coalition partners, parliamentary leaders, and opposition members to deliberate on the province’s future course of action in light of the prevailing economic situation. Participants reviewed policy options …
Balochistan leadership unites on austerity measures; CM Bugti vows relief for poor

QUETTA, Mar 31 (APP):The Balochistan government has finalized a robust provincial strategy to tackle economic challenges, with Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti pledging relief for the poor while tightening government spending.
The meeting at the CM Secretariat, chaired by CM Bugti, brought together coalition partners, parliamentary leaders, and opposition members to deliberate on the province’s future course of action in light of the prevailing economic situation.
Participants reviewed policy options aligned with federal guidance and agreed on the need for coordinated and practical austerity measures.
Chief Minister Bugti briefed attendees on the provincial government’s plan to implement national-level austerity initiatives at the provincial level.
The session concluded with a rare consensus among all political stakeholders on adopting a cohesive and effective strategy to address fiscal pressures and ensure efficient use of public resources.
Key measures discussed included the prudent use of petroleum products, reduction of non-essential expenditures, and safeguarding state resources.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring timely implementation of decisions and maintaining close coordination to navigate emerging challenges.
The meeting also focused on stabilizing the provincial economy and extending relief to low-income groups, particularly in the face of rising inflation.
Officials underscored the urgency of taking actionable steps to shield vulnerable communities from the economic impact of global and regional developments.
Speaking on the occasion, Bugti described the cross-party agreement as a “clear reflection of seriousness and shared responsibility” in dealing with the current situation.
He noted that the provincial government is actively pursuing a viable and effective strategy to tackle ongoing challenges and ensure economic resilience.
“In view of the prevailing global and regional conditions, we are proposing substantial measures to provide meaningful relief to the underprivileged segments of society.
These measures will be implemented effectively,” he said.
The meeting was attended by leading figures including Maulana Abdul Wasay (JUI-F), Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch (NP), Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai (ANP), Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani & Mir Zahoor Buledi (PPP), Mir Shoaib Nosherwani & Mir Asim Kurd Gello (PML-N), Mir Zia Langau (BAP), Mir Abdul Majeed Badini (JI), Mir Jehanzeb Mengal (BNP), and Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman via video link.
Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan presented a detailed roadmap for austerity measures, supported by ACS Home Hamza Shafqaat and ACS Development Zahid Saleem.
CM Sarfraz Bugti concluded by assuring that all measures would be implemented with transparency and accountability, stressing that fiscal discipline is aimed at achieving economic stability and public welfare.


