CM Sarfraz Bugti declares Balochistan on irreversible path of reform and progress

QUETTA, Jun 21 (APP):Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, in his concluding address at the provincial assembly’s budget session for fiscal year 2026–27, declared that the province has embarked on a path of reform, merit, good governance, and stability that “no one can now halt.”

Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that determination makes every challenge surmountable, asserting that his government had fulfilled promises made to the people. He noted that critics had doubted his commitments, but the administration had proven that pledges were not mere words—they were actions.

The Chief Minister highlighted sweeping progress in education, reporting that out of 15,370 schools across the province, 15,000 are now functional. He cited the transparent recruitment of 14,000 teachers, rehabilitation of more than 3,200 schools, and enrollment of 720,000 children. These measures, he said, reduced the number of out-of-school children by 14 percent, lowered dropout rates, and raised youth literacy from 49 to 60 percent.

Sarfraz Bugti detailed major reforms in healthcare, including the recruitment of over 2,800 medical staff, promotion of 4,519 doctors, and activation of 164 basic health units. He announced the establishment of a modern trauma center in Quetta, completion of a cancer institute, and launch of satellite telemedicine services. Pharmacies across the province had been digitized, while institutes for cardiovascular and neurological care were ready for inauguration. He added that maternal and child health facilities had expanded, vaccination coverage had increased significantly, and no polio cases had been reported since late 2024.

On governance, Bugti reported that attendance in government offices had risen from 45 to 82 percent, while decision-making timelines had been reduced from 92 days to just 13. Development fund utilization had reached 100 percent, compared to 65 percent in the past. He stressed that digitalization and meritocracy were the cornerstones of his administration, restoring public trust and ensuring transparency.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister announced ambitious projects, including the launch of the Quetta People’s Train, a metro-style service from Sariab to Kuchlak, expansion of fiber optic networks, construction of thousands of new classrooms, and introduction of telemedicine services in hundreds of health centers. He also promised solar grid projects for remote areas, clean water schemes in every union council, and a special scholarship program for Balochistan’s daughters beginning July 1.

Sarfraz Bugti declared that while the state remained open to dialogue with political forces that accepted the Constitution, negotiations with terrorist organizations were impossible. He emphasized that his government had made the fight against terrorism its own, combining military action with governance reforms to strengthen trust between the state and citizens.

Paying tribute to martyrs, Bugti announced a ten percent salary increase for CTD, ATF, and SOW personnel, a one hundred percent increase in compensation for martyrs, and an additional one million rupees for civilian martyrs. He concluded his speech with a poem titled “Balochistan’s Pledge”, reaffirming his commitment to end terrorism, honor sacrifices, promote education, and uphold Pakistan’s dignity.

CM Sarfraz Bugti declared that Balochistan had already taken flight toward a brighter future, and no force could now stop its journey of progress.