QUETTA, Jan 5: Three provincial ministers tendered their resignations to the provincial governor here on Saturday, and, according to an official notification, Governor Justice Amirul Mulk Mengal (retired) accepted the resignations with immediate effect.

The ministers who resigned are: Agha Abdul Qadir Baloch, Minister for Local Government, Public Health Engineering and Communication Works; Sardar Saadat Ali Hazara, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Cooperatives and Environment; and Mr Naseer Ahmed Bacha, Minister for Irrigation and Power, Livestock and Forest.

Agha Abdul Qadir Baloch, when contacted, said he had quit the provincial cabinet due to health reason. “My health is not good. That is why I quit my post.”

Sardar Saadat Ali Hazara told Dawn that he had resigned due to some personal engagements and the “inevitable circumstances” which he did not spell out. “I tried my best to fulfil my responsibilities and honour the trust the government had reposed in me,” he further said, adding that during his brief stay in the provincial cabinet what he did for the people of Balochistan was before everyone to see.

However, the sardar said whether he remained in the government or not he would continue to serve the people in accordance with his family traditions. “I will continue to serve the people of Pakistan, specially those of Balochistan.”

Mr Naseer Ahmed Bacha, talking to Dawn, said he had resigned to take part in the forthcoming elections.

“I resigned from the ministership for election preparations. I will fully take part in the elections from my home constituency,” Bacha said.