Balochistan Has Taken Flight on the Path of Development, No One Can Stop It Now: CM Sarfraz Bugti

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that his government has fulfilled the promises made to the people and proved that no goal is impossible when there is strong determination. He stated that Balochistan is now firmly on the path of development, reforms, merit, good governance, peace, and stability, and that no force can halt this journey of progress.

Addressing the concluding session of the Balochistan Assembly after the approval of the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Sunday, the Chief Minister began his speech with a verse emphasizing determination and commitment, saying it reflects the spirit of his government and cabinet.

Bugti said critics had doubted his government’s pledges, but the administration had demonstrated that promises made to the people can indeed be fulfilled. “If we have resolved to do something, we will accomplish it,” he said.

Highlighting achievements in the education sector, the Chief Minister said that out of 15,370 schools across the province, 15,000 are now functional, while the remaining 370 were built at unsuitable locations. He noted that 14,000 teachers had been recruited through a transparent process, more than 3,200 schools had been restored, and 720,000 children had been enrolled. He added that the number of out-of-school children had decreased by 14 percent, the dropout rate had fallen by 5 percent, and the literacy rate among youth had risen from 49 percent to 60 percent.

Discussing healthcare reforms, Bugti said over 2,800 healthcare workers had been recruited, 4,519 doctors promoted, and 164 basic health units made operational. He added that outpatient attendance had increased by one million patients. The Chief Minister said that a modern trauma center in Quetta had become operational, a cancer institute had been completed, satellite telemedicine services had been launched, and all pharmacies had been digitized. He further announced that the Balochistan Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Balochistan Institute of Neurosurgery and Neurology were ready for inauguration.

According to the Chief Minister, the availability of medicines had increased from 46 percent to 89 percent, while essential equipment in maternal and child healthcare centers had risen from 11 percent to 86 percent. He said no polio case had been reported in the province since November 2024, and the vaccination rate had increased from 38 percent to 56 percent.

Bugti also highlighted governance reforms, stating that attendance in government offices in Quetta had improved from 45 percent to 82 percent, while attendance at healthcare facilities had surpassed 80 percent. The average time required for decision-making on official files had dropped from 92 days to just 13 days. He added that utilization of development funds had reached 100 percent, compared to 65 percent in previous years.

The Chief Minister emphasized that digitalization and merit-based governance were the cornerstones of his administration, describing meritocracy as the only sustainable path toward development and youth empowerment.

Announcing future development initiatives, Bugti said the Quetta People’s Train Project would soon evolve into a metro-style rail service running from Sariab to Kuchlak. He also announced the expansion of a province-wide fiber-optic network, activation of markets and transport terminals in all districts, construction of two additional classrooms in 3,000 schools, telemedicine services in over 500 health centers, upgradation of more than 1,000 middle and high schools, solar grid projects for remote areas, provision of sanitation equipment to all municipal committees, construction of over 400 union council offices, and clean drinking water schemes in every union council.

He further announced a special scholarship program for Balochistan’s girls starting from July 1, saying that the province’s daughters were particularly close to his heart.

On the law and order situation, the Chief Minister stated that the state had never closed the door to dialogue, but negotiations with terrorist organizations were not possible. He said talks could only be held with political forces that accept the Constitution and laws of Pakistan.

Bugti asserted that his government had decided to treat the fight against terrorism as its own war, which had unsettled hostile elements. He claimed that certain external actors were supporting terrorist groups and that such organizations would quickly collapse if that support ended.

The Chief Minister reiterated his opposition to violence and said no group could be allowed to impose its demands on the state through the use of force. He vowed to continue the struggle against anti-Pakistan elements and declared that lasting peace would be established in Balochistan.

Paying tribute to martyrs, Bugti announced a 10 percent increase in salaries for personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF), and Special Operations Wing (SOW). He also announced a 100 percent increase in compensation for the families of martyrs and an additional Rs1 million compensation for civilian victims of terrorism.

Concluding his speech with a poem titled “Balochistan’s Pledge,” the Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorism, honoring the sacrifices of martyrs, promoting education, ensuring peace, and upholding the dignity and prosperity of Pakistan.