Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA, April 7, 2025 – In a major development for the education sector in Balochistan, 1,400 out of 3,400 previously closed government schools have been reopened, as part of a comprehensive governance and development agenda led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti.
During a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review governance reforms and progress on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan briefed the participants on improvements in service delivery, including the reopening of closed schools across the province.
According to the briefing, an additional 1,800 schools are expected to become operational by the end of this month following the recruitment of teaching staff under the School-Based Hiring (SBH) program. The remaining approximately 200 schools will be reopened in a third phase.
Secretary Education informed the forum that appointment orders for SBK-selected teachers, based strictly on merit, will be issued by April 18.
Chief Minister Bugti expressed strong dissatisfaction over the absenteeism of government employees, especially in rural districts. “We will send habitual absentees home,” he warned, directing local government representatives to monitor the attendance of teachers, doctors, and other line department staff. “The common man suffers when public servants are missing from duty,” he added.
Bugti emphasized that improved service delivery would strengthen public trust in the state. He reiterated that policy-making is the job of the government, while implementation is the responsibility of civil servants.
On development matters, the Additional Chief Secretary (Development) informed the meeting that 90% of ongoing PSDP projects will be completed by next month. The Chief Minister noted that, for the first time, rapid progress is being seen in development schemes across Balochistan.
He directed departments to complete ongoing projects within the current year by ensuring lump sum fund releases, warning that delays only increase project costs. He also issued firm orders to blacklist slow-performing companies and hold underperforming departments accountable.
CM Bugti announced that a quality public transport system will soon be launched, and ordered the expedited completion of the Mangi Dam project to begin water supply. He said the upcoming provincial budget will be aligned with public needs, urging departments to plan projects accordingly.
“The era of parachute schemes is over. Only people-centric and approved projects will be included in the budget. No scheme will be stolen or sold,” he said, sending a clear message of transparency and reform.
