QUETTA: Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Buledi, has dismissed speculations of differences within the coalition government, saying that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is performing his duties with dedication and commitment.
Speaking to reporters after the Balochistan Assembly session, Buledi said, “There are no rifts in the provincial government. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. Minor differences of opinion are part of democracy and can always be resolved through dialogue.”
He added that reports of internal differences were being exaggerated on social media, which he described as “unregulated” and not something he takes seriously.
Buledi emphasised that the provincial government is united under the leadership of Sarfraz Bugti, who, he said, is striving day and night to bring development and prosperity to the province.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the coalition government in Balochistan, led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is showing visible cracks only a year and a half into its tenure.
PPP’s own leaders have gone public with grievances. Provincial minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, elected from Hub, openly criticised Bugti during a ceremony in Winder. He accused the chief minister of ruining PPP’s reputation, sidelining workers, and playing a “double game” by presenting himself as both PML-N’s and PPP’s chief minister. Zehri, considered close to President Asif Ali Zardari, had earlier raised objections right after taking oath, but party leadership had reconciled the differences. His latest remarks have reignited tensions.
Another PPP figure, parliamentary secretary for transport Mir Liaquat Lehri, blasted the government during an assembly session. He said unemployment had spread from Chaman to Gwadar, shopkeepers could not pay rent, and the transport sector was collapsing. “I am a minister myself, yet I feel powerless to solve public issues,” he told lawmakers. Lehri later alleged he was facing retaliation for his speech.
The ruling coalition’s biggest partner, PML-N, also expressed discontent. Nawab Changez Marri announced he would fully support a no-confidence motion if one is brought against Chief Minister Bugti.
