CM Sarfraz Bugti Vows Sweeping Reforms for Good Governance and Public Service Delivery in Balochistan

Quetta: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has emphasized the urgent need for large-scale reforms to establish good governance and effective service delivery across the province. Chairing a high-level meeting of administrative secretaries on Wednesday, he reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing a reform agenda aimed at restoring public trust in the system.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat, Additional Chief Secretary (Development & Planning) Zahid Saleem, Chairman CM Inspection Team Muhammad Ali, and secretaries of all provincial departments.

CM Bugti urged all departments to take ownership of their respective development schemes, emphasizing that the responsibility and accountability for progress rest with departmental heads. He announced continuous monitoring of development projects, including those funded by federal and international sources, to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Highlighting past achievements, the Chief Minister stated that the previous fiscal year saw a historic record in the full and timely utilization of development funds, which helped dispel negative perceptions about wastage or inefficiency in fund usage.

He acknowledged that while a model framework of governance is not immediately feasible, his administration remains committed to realistic and sustained improvements based on Balochistan’s ground realities. He directed the CM Inspection Team and Monitoring & Evaluation Units to keep a close eye on the pace and quality of all ongoing projects.

CM Bugti also set a deadline of July 25 for 99% technical approval of all proposed and approved development schemes and instructed that progress be shared in the next review meeting. He called for a critical analysis of last year’s shortcomings to avoid repeating mistakes and improve performance.

He affirmed that while the government has full confidence in the professional abilities of its officers, performance-based postings will be prioritized to eliminate favoritism. “We will strengthen the merit system so no officer needs recommendations for assignments,” he asserted.

Discussing the Chief Minister’s Youth Skills Development Program, Bugti said the program is a cornerstone for the brighter future of Balochistan’s youth and must be implemented effectively. He urged departments to identify and address any flaws in the program and accelerate its progress during the current fiscal year.

The CM noted that work on development schemes had commenced from the first day of the new financial year, demonstrating the government’s seriousness and commitment. He also highlighted the activation of District Development Committees to resolve local issues promptly.

Bugti stressed that the common man, who faces extreme weather and limited resources, is at the center of all government policies. He emphasized the importance of field officers’ presence in remote areas and said newly trained assistant commissioners would soon be deployed.

Inspiring young officers, CM Bugti referred to the example of a former Political Agent of Kohlu, Shamsher Khan, who served under difficult conditions in a tent office, demonstrating dedication despite limited resources.

On the subject of converting agricultural tube wells to solar energy, the CM noted that funds were transferred directly to beneficiaries via the State Bank, eliminating any chance of commissions or corruption. He called for promoting such transparent mechanisms to build public trust and curb corruption.

Addressing the officials, CM Bugti concluded, “We must work as a team, with our collective focus on the ordinary Balochistani who endures hardships. Our mission is to bring real change and align the governance system with public service.”