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QUETTA, Jul 9 (APP):Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthen efforts for improving governance and service delivery across the province.
Chairing a high-level meeting of administrative secretaries in Quetta on Wednesday, CM Bugti emphasized that far-reaching reforms are essential to restore public trust in government institutions.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development) Zahid Saleem, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team Muhammad Ali, and secretaries from all departments.
Sarfraz Bugti emphasized for expediting large-scale reforms agenda to improve governance and ensure effective service delivery in the province at all costs aimed that to rebuild public’s trust in the government system.
“The government is determined to move forward with reform agenda to establish effective service delivery and rebuild public confidence,” the Chief Minister said, noting that every department should take ownership of its development schemes. He stressed the need for transparency and efficiency, adding that regular monitoring of both federally and internationally funded projects would be conducted.
CM Bugti highlighted a key achievement from the last fiscal year including the complete and timely utilization of development funds, which helped dispel negative perceptions about mismanagement and waste in Balochistan’s financial planning.
“While an ideal governance framework may not be immediately achievable, the government is committed to realistic, continuous improvements based on ground realities,” he said. Sarfraz directed the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team and Monitoring & Evaluation units to rigorously oversee project quality and timelines, ensuring tangible benefits for the public.
The Chief Minister directed all departments to ensure that 99 percent of technical approvals for proposed and approved schemes to be completed by July 25, with progress reports to be presented in the next meeting.
He also called for a critical review of last year’s shortcomings and stressed learning from past mistakes to improve future performance.
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of government officers, CM Bugti underscored that performance-based postings would be prioritized under a policy of merit and accountability. “Posting durations will be protected, but tied to officer performance. We will strengthen the merit system so that no officer needs political support or personal influence to be posted.”
He specifically highlighted the Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program as a cornerstone of Balochistan’s future. “This program is vital to building a better future for our youth, and all concerned departments must enhance its implementation this fiscal year,” he said, urging prompt identification and correction of existing flaws.
CM Bugti also noted that implementation of new development schemes has started from the very first day of the new fiscal year, reflecting the government’s seriousness.
He stressed the need to empower District Development Committees (DDCs) for localized resolution of public issues and reiterated that the government’s central focus is the common citizen burdened by daily challenges.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of ground-level presence of field officers and announced that newly trained assistant commissioners will soon be deployed. Addressing young officers, he urged them to make public service their mission and to perform with dedication and integrity, regardless of resource limitations.
Referencing a notable past example, CM Bugti praised Shamsheer Khan, a former political agent in Kohlu, who worked in extremely difficult conditions without letting the lack of resources affect his duties. “Such examples serve as lessons in dedication and public service,” he noted.
On the matter of agricultural tube wells, the Chief Minister referenced a successful solarization initiative where payments were transferred directly to beneficiaries via the State Bank, ensuring complete transparency and eliminating corruption. “We will continue promoting such mechanisms to strengthen public trust and eliminate corruption.”