QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that those seeking political change in the province’s current setup may “fulfil their wishes” adding that his government will implement the directives of president of Pakistan in letter and spirit.
Speaking to the media during the inauguration of the road from Chaman Phatak to Koyla Phatak in Quetta, the chief minister said President Asif Ali Zardari contacted him by phone both before and after his meeting with parliamentary members and issued certain instructions, which would be followed. Provincial minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary C&W Babar Khan and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Bugti said the president had called him a day earlier to inform him about the planned meeting. He added that some party members wanted to meet the president in his absence, which he welcomed.
Responding to a question about reports of political change in Balochistan following the meeting, CM Bugti remarked, “Let them fulfil their wishes.” It may be mentioned that certain MPAs of the PMLN, including Zarak Mandokhail—who was also present at the road inauguration—have on various occasions hinted that the current government is based on a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement with the PMLN as an alliance partner. They have suggested that after the completion of this period, the next chief minister would be from the PMLN. Zarak Mandokhail has also expressed his desire to become the chief minister.
Responding to a question, the chief minister said there has been some improvement in law & order statistics. He added that Balochistan is a conflict zone and proxy elements are trying to destabilise the province. He said the government is committed to ensuring the safety of every citizen and that a strategy is being developed to control crime in Quetta.
Regarding the budget, the chief minister said the province had allocated Rs249 billion for development expenditures, which has increased due to certain needs. He assured that 100 percent of the funds would be utilised, stating that it is unacceptable for half the budget to remain unspent and lapse.
