QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has declared a comprehensive campaign to eradicate poppy cultivation in the province, vowing to “completely eradicate the menace.” The announcement was made during a high-level meeting that began with prayers for the martyrs of the security forces.
Chairing the session, the Chief Minister outlined a multi-faceted approach for the province’s progress. He emphasized that development and security are intertwined, reaffirming that coordination between civil and military institutions is being further strengthened to maintain peace and stability. This partnership is considered vital for ensuring a secure environment for progress.
On the development front, Bugti stated that essential public facilities are being provided across Balochistan under the Balochistan Sustainable Development Initiative (BSDI). He assured attendees that the provincial government is committed to the timely completion of all development projects to improve public welfare.
The meeting also addressed pressing civic issues. The Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the persistent problem of low gas pressure in the provincial capital. He directed the General Manager of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to promptly resolve the issue. Furthermore, Bugti announced that a formal communication would be sent to the federal ministry to address the ongoing problem of gas load-shedding, seeking a permanent solution for the citizens of Quetta.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, and other senior civil and military officials, underscoring the collective effort towards the province’s administration and security.
Meanwhile the Balochistan Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed strong displeasure with the Levies Force for its failure to provide financial records and comply with audit procedures, demanding full transparency for funds received since 2022.
During a meeting chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, the committee discovered several major financial irregularities. A significant violation involved the Levies Force opening a bank account at National Bank, Shahrah-e-Iqbal, Quetta, without required Treasury approval. The account held Rs 13.969 million that was never deposited into the government treasury. The PAC ordered the immediate closure of the account and the transfer of all funds, with proof provided to the committee
