Zahoor Ahmed Bledai Responds to Allegations of Corruption on Beldah-Turbat Road Project
Quetta: The Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Zahoor Ahmed Bledai, has strongly rejected the allegations of corruption related to the Beldah-Turbat Road project raised by journalists Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui and Waqar Satti. In a detailed response, Bledai stated that while he respects the role of journalists and their efforts to highlight public issues, it is essential to verify facts before making serious allegations like corruption and to also hear the perspectives of the concerned parties.
Bledai clarified that the Beldah-Turbat Road project is nearly completed, and any delays are not related to corruption or mismanagement. He explained that the primary reason for the delays was the continuous attacks by terrorist groups associated with the insurgency from India, resulting in the martyrdom of several innocent workers and security personnel. He pointed out that the road passes through difficult and mountainous terrain, and due to its strategic location near the border, it remains a constant target for terrorism.
He further emphasized that despite these attacks, the project was successfully completed thanks to the timely intervention of the Frontier Corps (FC) and other law enforcement agencies, which ensured security. Bledai also mentioned that security forces not only took strong action against terrorist activities but also dismantled several networks of banned organizations.
Bledai stressed that before making allegations, it is crucial to understand the ground realities, especially in areas affected by terrorism. He noted that development projects in such regions require extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and continuous effort, which are often overlooked by those observing from a distance.
In conclusion, Zahoor Ahmed Bledai formally invited journalists Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui and Waqar Satti to visit Beldah and witness the geographical challenges, security risks, and the ground realities of the project for themselves.
