Reforms unit to improve financial management

CM says govt will make adequate use of provincial resources

QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday approved the Finance Department’s Public Financial Management Reforms Unit, emphasising the government has been focusing on adequate utilisation of provincial resources.

The chief minister approved the unit while chairing a meeting of PFMR Strategy and Action Plan, adding these reforms shall be implemented and strengthened in the province.

Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Sajjad Ahmed Bhutta and Additional Secretary Finance Farrukh Atique were also present in the meeting.

“There is a need of reforms in the financial affairs of the province especially digitalisation of financial practices,” said Kamal adding the PFMR unit would indeed be a major step towards improving financial dealings.



The additional secretary finance informed the chief minister the seven units led by a director each would work in the reforms unit that would ensure implementation of the reforms strategy with contribution of various stakeholders.

The unit has responsibilities to pave way for reforms in tax unit policy and reforms, debt management investment and risk assessment, budget, audit, pension automation and information technology sectors.

Tourism

“Fortunately Balochistan has vast space for tourism development and with keen attention the tourism sector might turn into a prime source of income for the province’s faltering economy,” said CM Jam Kamal in a meeting with CEO of Pakistan Tourism Dialogue Organisation Arif Malik on Wednesday.

The chief minister said the government of Balochistan has been seriously working to clinch the attention of national and international tourists while taking solid measures to introduce provincial tourism spots before the world.

He added the government is also planning to establish a tourism authority and organise tourism conferences while discussing tourism related matters with Malik.

Provincial ministers Zahoor Buledi and Abdul Khaliq Hazara accompanied Kamal in the meeting.



The chief minister further highlighted the province is fortunate to have a prolonged coastal strip, towering mountains, historic Mehar Garh and desert, adding that all these spots can be turned into a hub for international tourists.

“Lack of basic structure and ineffective policies have Balochistan’s magnificence away from national and international attention,” said Kamal, adding the current government has been taking timely measures to develop tourism with support of the private sector.

He also announced plans of establishing a training institute for people in the field of tourism.

Lauding the government’s efforts CEO Pakistan Tourism Dialogue Organisation Arif Malik invited the chief minister to an international tourism exhibition to be held in Islamabad in April where provincial tourism spots would be highlighted.

Kamal accepted the invitation and said, “The provincial government would participate in the conference."