Bugti vows to address Gwadar grievances

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said he visited Gwadar to listen to all political parties and local stakeholders and assured that the government would take practical steps to resolve public grievances and protect the legitimate rights of the local population.

He made the remarks during a meeting with office-bearers of the All Parties Gwadar and representatives of various political parties during his visit to the port city.

The political representatives briefed the chief minister on Gwadar's overall situation, public grievances, basic civic facilities, employment opportunities and other regional issues. They demanded better civic amenities, greater employment opportunities for local youth and that tests and interviews for Grade-IV posts be conducted locally.

Taking notice of the demands, Bugti ordered that tests for Grade-IV vacancies in Gwadar and all other districts of Balochistan be conducted at the local level. He said implementation of district-specific quotas in government recruitment would be ensured at all costs so that local youth could receive their rightful share.

"No local candidate will be deprived of his or her right," the chief minister said, adding that merit, transparency and strict adherence to district quotas would be ensured throughout the recruitment process.

Bugti also took notice of complaints regarding the appointment of non-local candidates to Grade-IV posts in the Fisheries and Forest departments in Gwadar. He directed the Chief Minister's Inspection Team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.

He ordered that the investigation be completed transparently and a fact-based report submitted. If any violation of rules and regulations was established, those responsible would face action in accordance with the law.

The chief minister said Gwadar was a city of immense importance for Balochistan and the benefits of development must reach the local population first. He stressed that development could not be limited to the construction of major projects, but must also include basic civic services, employment, education, healthcare, water supply and other essential facilities.