Sarfraz Bugti directs departments to complete ongoing projects within stipulated timeframe

Independent Report

QUETTA: The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has directed all the government departments to must complete ongoing projects within the stipulated timeframe, otherwise, adding he warned that funds allocated to slow-moving projects will be transferred to more effective schemes. The Chief Minister was presiding over a high-level meeting about implementation on Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), here on Monday. The development projects of various departments were reviewed in detail, with emphasis placed on taking steps to ensure their timely completion. The Provincial Minister for Communication and Works, Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Provincial Finance Minister, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Hafiz Abdul Basit, and secretaries of all departments attended the meeting. The Planning and Development Department briefed the Chief Minister on the ongoing development projects and their progress. While addressing the meeting, Chief Minister expressed strong displeasure over unnecessary delays in certain departmental projects. He expressed surprise over that it is completely unacceptable that even after a year, only 21 buses could not be procured. These buses must be on the roads before June to ensure better transport facilities for the public. He directed the Transport Department to utilize all available resources to complete the project and to ensure that no further delays occur in delivering public services. During the session, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to complete their ongoing projects by June. Otherwise, their funding would be halted, and the funds of slow-moving projects would be reallocated to active ones nearing completion. He also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Department of Sports over projects pending since 2015, stating that it is deeply concerning that these initiatives remain incomplete even after nine years. He directed the relevant authorities to fix responsibility and ensure accountability. The Chief Minister emphasized that delays in development projects not only increase public hardship but also lead to cost overruns, ultimately burdening the provincial treasury. Therefore, the timely completion of all approved projects is essential. He stressed that all departments must strictly adhere to the deadlines given, and that administrative secretaries must personally ensure monitoring and progress with full dedication and seriousness.