CM Balochistan Distributes Rations to 250,000 Families Amid Ongoing Struggles

Quetta:Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, announced that 250,000 families in the province are being provided with essential rations during the holy month of Ramadan. He explained that the initial delay in distributing the aid was due to road blockages, which hindered the timely delivery of these supplies to deserving families.

While addressing the media during the ration distribution ceremony at the PDMA office, CM Bugti remarked that women protesting with their infants are also bringing attention to their issues. He stated that Section 144 grants authorities the power to use force if necessary when protesters block highways or apply pressure on the government by causing disruptions. Despite this, the government has shown restraint and patience.

The CM also criticized the lack of efficiency shown by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in reopening national highways and pledged departmental action against them. He mentioned that the government was conducting a “smart kinetic operation” to resolve the roadblocks and ensure the smooth distribution of aid.

“The purpose of ration distribution is to bring happiness to the deserving families, but the ongoing road blockages have made it difficult. The ration was supposed to reach beneficiaries before Ramadan, but due to the closure of roads, it got delayed,” CM Bugti explained. He also emphasized that all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to distribute the aid fairly and on merit.

He further explained the challenges of distributing cash in remote areas, where many residents do not have bank accounts. “Despite court orders, national highways are blocked, and when force is used to remove these blockages, it often leads to backlash,” he added.

In response to claims by opposition leader Umar Ayub of the PTI, the CM rejected allegations about certain districts being labeled as “no-go areas.” He questioned where these areas were and pointed out that the former PTI government had released operatives of banned organizations, contributing to Balochistan’s ongoing struggle with terrorism. The CM also assured that the government was conducting “smart kinetic operations” to strengthen police and security in the region.

Regarding the recent incident involving Shah Zain Mari, the Chief Minister stated that the authorities had no information on the matter but assured that forces would soon bring terrorism under control in the province.