Kamal dismisses reports of possible cabinet reshuffle

Says his govt starting projects in all districts irrespective of political affiliation

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has dismissed speculations about a reshuffle in the provincial cabinet and said such misinformation is being spread by the opposition.

“I have also heard that the cabinet is being reshuffled. It is the opposition that is spreading this disinformation,” he said while talking to media in Gandawah.  Kamal – also head of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) – has a cabinet of 19 members.

The chief minister also rejected reports that the provincial government was returning funds to federal government.  He said the money from federal divisible pool is owned by provinces and cannot be returned. “Opponents spread rumours without even thinking. It is not good to mislead people,” he said.

The CM said development work worth Rs3.5 billion has been completed in each district of province.

“The foundation stone of the Gandawah-Tutaal road has been laid at a cost of Rs2.5 billion, as 25,000km of roads are being constructed in the province,” he said. The CM said his government is developing all districts irrespective of political affiliation of the people of those areas.

“In the past, schemes were started on basis of likes and dislikes, which left many areas backward. There are constituencies where we have initiated schemes even though there is no elected representative of the ruling BAP or its allies from these areas”.

“We want to work for the people so that they can change their views by seeing our work” he added.

He said the government wants to ensure development and procedure of monitoring the schemes will be improved to ensure that old schemes are completed. “400 km of roads are being constructed in Naseerabad division. These roads will facilitate people.”

He said the security situation in Balochistan has improved.

“The law and order is better than ever in the province. People are coming to Balochistan with families from outside. The positive identity of the province will be highlighted,” Kamal said.

He said the federal cabinet members have discussed issues related to electricity, agriculture and other issues in the province. “They have assured us that transmission lines, feeders and transformers will be improved for the betterment of the province. Other matters are expected to improve as well. Committees have been formed at the district level to address their issues,” Kamal said.

He announced that all the Intermediate colleges of the province will be given degree college status. Eight primary, four middle and two high schools are being constructed in each district.

Uplift projects

The CM has directed the formation of a committee for the improvement and development of Quetta projects and their monitoring.

The chief secretary will be the chairman of the Balochistan Authoritative Committee.

The secretary of Planning and Public Health Engineering Department, Quetta Commissioner, DG Quetta Development Authority and Administrator Quetta Metropolitan will also be part of the special committee.

The committee will examine Quetta Package and supervise development projects in the city. It will also monitor the progress of the schemes and performance of the authorities concerned.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2019.