QUETTA, Mar 02 (APP): Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, presided over a high-level conference of commissioners and deputy commissioners to review governance, development and public welfare initiatives across the province.
The meeting focused on improving citizens’ quality of life, accelerating development projects, overseeing the repatriation of illegal immigrants, addressing contract basis appointments in education and health departments, and ensuring subsidized markets during Ramazan.
Senior officials in attendance included Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Zahid Saleem, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and other senior officers.
Officials reported that out of 1,735 development schemes, 1,478 have been completed, while work on the remaining projects is progressing at an accelerated pace. The Chief Secretary directed commissioners to ensure timely completion of pending schemes and emphasized strict monitoring to maintain momentum.
He stressed the importance of resolving public grievances promptly and expediting government initiatives to enhance service delivery.
The Chief Secretary ordered the completion of the fourth phase of temporary teacher appointments and instructed authorities to finalize temporary recruitment of paramedical staff to strengthen healthcare services.
The meeting was informed that Balochistan currently has 15,000 operational schools and 918 Basic Health Units (BHUs) providing essential services.
To improve educational outcomes, commissioners and deputy commissioners were directed to actively support the ongoing school enrollment drive, including door-to-door surveys to identify and enroll out-of-school children before the new academic session.
The Chief Secretary ordered stricter measures to eradicate poppy cultivation. Officials reported that 55,000 acres of poppy crops have been destroyed, and approximately 500 individuals have been placed on the Fourth Schedule for monitoring.
Special emphasis was placed on ensuring relief for citizens during Ramazan. The Chief Secretary directed deputy commissioners to establish and monitor subsidized bazaars in every district, ensuring essential food items are available at official prices.
Shakeel Qadir Khan instructed strict enforcement of price control measures to curb inflation and provide economic relief during the holy month.
The Chief Secretary ordered immediate action on complaints registered during open courts (Khuli Katcheries) and called for monthly performance reports to strengthen direct engagement with the public.
On environmental initiatives, officials reported that millions of saplings have already been planted across the province. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for additional efforts to meet plantation targets and directed district administrations to ensure proper care and monitoring of planted trees.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from district administrations to accelerate development efforts, improve public services, and implement government policies effectively across Balochistan.