Waseem Khan: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has claimed that corruption in the province has declined compared with the past, while rejecting reports of any two-and-a-half-year power-sharing agreement involving the provincial government.
Bugti said he could not claim that corruption had been completely eliminated from Balochistan, but maintained that the situation had improved compared with previous years.
He said the provincial government was taking measures to ensure merit-based recruitment in government departments, including educational institutions, to improve transparency and curb irregularities in public-sector hiring.
The chief minister also claimed that development projects in Balochistan were being completed in record time compared with previous years.
He said the government was focusing on effective development, better utilisation of public funds and implementation of projects according to the needs of the people.
Bugti Denies Knowledge of Power-Sharing Agreement
Responding to questions about an alleged two-and-a-half-year power-sharing deal in Balochistan, Bugti said he had no knowledge of any such agreement.
He said any decision regarding a change in the provincial government rested with the political leadership.
Bugti added that he would continue serving the people for as long as he remained in office.
Briefings on Balochistan Development, Mining and Security
Before the media interaction, Bugti received detailed briefings on Balochistan’s socioeconomic development, mineral resources, mining sector and law-and-order situation.
Officials briefed the chief minister on governance, public service delivery, development funds and ongoing projects, while the Minerals and Resources Department presented an overview of the province’s mineral potential and measures aimed at generating greater economic benefits.
The Home and Tribal Affairs Department briefed Bugti on the Provincial Action Plan, police reforms, integration of the Levies Force into the police, the Safe City project, legislation and coordination among law-enforcement agencies.
Bugti Responds to Maryam Nawaz Remarks
Bugti also expressed disappointment over remarks attributed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz concerning neighbouring provinces.
He said Balochistan did not want to become a source of difficulty for the rest of Pakistan, stressing the importance of maintaining national unity and harmony among the provinces.
