QUETTA: In a decisive move to ensure the timely and efficient formulation of the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has imposed a complete ban on all forms of leave for staff in key departments, including the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Chief Secretary’s Office, Finance Department, and the Department of Planning and Development.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, which focused on the upcoming budget and the structure of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
Attendees included Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Hafiz Abdul Basit, Finance Secretary Imran Zarkoon, Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind, and senior officials from concerned departments.
The Chief Minister was briefed in detail on budget preparations, proposed development schemes, fiscal discipline, and priority areas. Speaking on the occasion, Mir Sarfraz Bugti stressed that the budget phase is highly critical and demands full institutional commitment.
He emphasized that the budget must reflect public needs and ensure equitable development across all regions.
He directed authorities to design projects based on practical realities, community needs, and available resources.
Additionally, he called for the introduction of a robust monitoring system to curb misuse of development funds and urged a strong commitment to austerity by cutting down on non-essential expenditures.
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According to the Chief Minister, these measures are vital to guarantee that public funds are utilized transparently and directly benefit the people.
