Qaseem Shah:Â
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transparency, stating that political pressure will never compromise meritocracy in the province’s public sector, particularly in healthcare.
​He made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), and Planning Commission Member Shabana Haider. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panizai were also present.
​The discussions focused on joint healthcare initiatives, expanding quality medical services across Balochistan, and operationalizing IHHN-backed medical facilities in Bekar, Dera Bugti.
​Addressing the delegation, Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that providing accessible, top-tier medical care to underprivileged communities remains the provincial administration’s primary duty. He noted that upgrading healthcare requires more than modern machinery and facilities—it demands skilled, competent human resources.
​”We will operate strictly on merit,” Bugti stated. “I am prepared to face political pressure, but there will be zero compromise on meritocracy.” He added that the Chief Minister’s Secretariat maintains a strict policy against official favors or political intervention in appointments, ensuring complete operational transparency.
​The Chief Minister also welcomed public-private partnerships, noting that collaborating with organizations like the Indus Hospital Network is key to extending specialized healthcare to remote and underserved rural districts. The delegation reviewed various proposals on staff training, facility management, and future collaborative frameworks aimed at strengthening the provincial healthcare system.
