Cabinet ministers review development, security issues in Balochistan
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• Discuss issues covering various federal departments
• Decide to curb illegal trawling by installing tracking systems
• CM hopes resolution of pending issues to help counter anti-state narratives
QUETTA: A high-profile federal delegation, including key ministers, secretaries and heads of federal departments, met in Quetta on Thursday to discuss pending federal matters concerning Balochistan.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, focused on economic development, security and infrastructure projects.
The delegation reviewed a 47-point agenda covering various federal ministries and departments, including ministries of petroleum, energy, railways, information, communications, finance, foreign affairs, and Planning Commission and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
One of the key proposals discussed was the one-time amnesty for registering around 6,000 fishing boats operating in Balochistan’s waters. Both federal and provincial governments agreed to curb illegal trawling by installing tracking systems and setting up a central monitoring control room.
The Ministry of Petroleum assured that outstanding dues of Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) spanning the past three years would be paid to Balochistan. The authorities also pledged to intensify anti-smuggling operations in the province.
The Ministries of Finance and Energy pledged to release the remaining funds for solar-powered agricultural tube wells by the second week of April. Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari assured swift completion of the project to prevent farmers from incurring financial losses.
Railway security and development were also key agenda points. IG Railway Police Rai Tahir briefed the meeting on measures to enhance security, equip police with modern weapons and improve railway safety.
The Ministry of Communications presented progress updates on major infrastructure projects, including the Mashkel-Panjgur Road, Gwadar Port, Reko Diq and Saindak.
The Planning Commission confirmed that, as per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, each division in Balochistan would receive Rs1 billion to tackle socio-economic challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the committee on diplomatic actions against countries supporting terrorism in Balochistan. Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting pledged to restore Bol TV and GNN bureau offices in Quetta and activate all national media offices in the province.
To combat anti-state activities on social media, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that regional heads of social media companies would visit Quetta soon to address accounts linked to terrorism and subversion.
The FIA was also tasked with countering white-collar crimes, financial fraud and cybercrimes in the province.
It was decided that the Pakistan Coast Guards would receive additional resources to enhance operations against illegal trawling.
The federal government, in collaboration with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), will strengthen anti-terrorism efforts and promote a national narrative against extremism.
A committee led by the Secretary of Law was also established to draft provincial legislation on missing persons.
Action on delayed projects
Speaking at the meeting, CM Bugti welcomed the federal delegation and thanked PM Shehbaz for prioritising Balochistan’s concerns. He stressed that resolving federal issues would strengthen the province’s stance and help counter anti-state narratives. He also urged faster execution of the solar tube well project to prevent financial losses to farmers.
He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to cooperating with customs authorities in anti-smuggling drive.
Highlighting the lack of motorways in Balochistan, he requested the Ministry of Communications to construct a motorway segment as a symbolic gesture of federal support.
He also called for educational opportunities for Balochistan’s youth at top global institutions like Harvard to help them transition away from illegal trade and smuggling.
The chief minister also expressed concern over the 24-year delay in the Kachhi Canal project, demanding a 100 per cent allocation of annual resources to complete it. He expressed optimism that the decisions made at the meeting would bring substantial benefits to Balochistan.
The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, IT Minister Shaza Khawaja, and Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2025
