Bugti says timely completion of uplift projects top priority

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that timely completion of development projects for public welfare was the top priority of incumbent provincial government.

Presiding over a high-level meeting held in Quetta regarding the performance of provincial departments and the progress of development projects, the chief minister said that it was need of the hour to bring the government machinery out of its sluggishness, traditional style and irresponsible behavior and align it with modern requirements.

He warned that negligence, corruption and poor performance would not be tolerated under any circumstances and all institutions would have to strictly adhere to the principles of merit and accountability.

During the meeting, the chief secretary gave a detailed briefing on the ongoing development process in the province, the performance of various departments and the future strategy.

The meeting was informed that a major plan has been prepared to convert Balochistan's industrial estates to solar energy, through which five billion units of electricity are expected to be generated annually. So far, 27,437 agricultural tube wells have been converted to solar systems in the province while 15,000 households have been provided with home solar systems, during the same period, the chief secretary highlighted.

He further said 15 new industrial units have been established in Balochistan, which is a positive development in terms of industrial revival and employment opportunities. Significant achievements have also been made in the education sector.

He added that in the past one year, 3049 schools were activated, in which 234,779 children were enrolled, ten thousand five hundred and thirteen teachers were recruited and the training of seventeen thousand nine hundred and seven teachers was completed.

The chief secretary said that 14,131 out-of-school children were brought back into the educational stream through the efforts of the Social Welfare Department.

The chief minister was informed that for the first time in Balochistan, a social media policy has been formulated, while a Journalist Endowment Fund has also been established for the welfare of journalists.

A comprehensive plan is being implemented to make the ancient and important religious site of the province, Hinglaj Mata Temple, a world-class tourist center, the chief secretary told.