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QUETTA, Jun 04 (APP):The Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) Balochistan, under the directives of Secretary Information Imran Khan, has launched an informative initiative titled “Meet the Press”.
As part of this series, secretaries from various provincial departments will regularly brief the media on key developments and progress of ongoing mega projects across Balochistan.
The inaugural session, held under the supervision of DGPR Noor Khetran, witnessed an extensive interaction between media representatives and secretaries from seven departments alongside Commissioner Quetta.
During the session, each departmental head highlighted major public-oriented initiatives:
Information Technology Secretary Ayaz Mandokhail revealed that over 1,500 youth have been trained in freelancing through the DG Bizz Program, enabling them to earn through online platforms. Centers have also been established across multiple districts to promote digital entrepreneurship.
Additionally, more than 1,400 surveillance cameras have been installed in Quetta under the Safe Cities Project, which is now being expanded to Gwadar and other districts. An AI-based facial recognition attendance system has also been introduced in government offices, and youth laptop and virtual education programs are underway, he said.
Forest Secretary Abdul Fateh Bhangar disclosed that over 7 billion saplings are being planted under the Green Pakistan Programme, with expanded operations planned for other districts.
He also highlighted the declaration of 1,450 acres of mangrove forest as protected, aligning with UN SDG commitments.
Irrigation Secretary Hafiz Abdul Majid provided updates on the under-construction Basol Dam in Gwadar, expected to be completed this year, ensuring irrigation for thousands of acres and potable water for local communities.
Transport Secretary Hayat Kakar shared that the Green Bus service launched in Quetta in 2023 is being expanded to include more buses, enhancing affordable mobility for women, students, and the elderly. Plans to launch Pink Buses exclusively for women were also announced.
Energy Secretary Dawood Bazai stated that 15,000 off-grid households in remote areas are being provided with solar home systems, benefiting nearly 100,000 individuals. Moreover, 27,437 agricultural tube wells will be solarized under the Green Agriculture Program to improve irrigation and reduce operational costs. He also termed the renewal of the Sui mining lease with Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. as a landmark step for regional investment.
Fisheries Secretary Tariq Qamar Baloch introduced major investment initiatives including shrimp farming across designated coastal lands in Jewani, Ormara, Pasni, and Lasbela. Cage farming and a coastal aquaculture program are also in progress to stimulate the province’s economic growth.
Agriculture Secretary Noor Ahmed Pirkani announced that under the Balochistan Green Tractor Programme, farmers will receive tractors at 50% subsidized rates. Other projects include the introduction of a Kisan Card, cold storage facilities in key cities, and solar-powered tube wells under the Green Balochistan Initiative.
Excise Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Bukhari stated that from July 1, vehicle smart cards will be launched to streamline registration and payments. Furthermore, property tax will now be assessed based on capital value instead of rental value.
Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat briefed that to accommodate parking for over one million vehicles in Quetta, spaces will be established at Mutton Market, Taxi Stand, and Municipal Plaza. Jinnah Road, Liaquat Bazaar, and Airport Road have been declared no-parking zones, with Prince Road to follow. Solar streetlights will be installed city-wide, and sanitation improvements will be ensured under the Saafa Quetta campaign. He also mentioned the reactivation of the historic Café Baldia in central Quetta.
The session concluded with a robust Q&A in which journalists engaged directly with department secretaries and the Commissioner, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency and media engagement in the province’s development discourse.