PPP says Bugti will remain Balochistan chief minister for full term

QUETTA: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Balochistan minister without portfolio Haji Ali Madad Jattak said on Sunday that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated clearly that Sarfraz Bugti would continue as Balochistan chief minister until completing his five-year term.

Speaking at a press conference held on the occasion of several political and tribal figures joining the PPP, Jattak said Bilawal’s statement had countered the ongoing social media campaign calling for the chief minister’s removal.

Those who joined the PPP after parting ways with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam included Dr Ali Nawaz Pirkani, Abdul Salam Zehri, Mahmood Khan Zehri, Fatah Muhammad, Shahnawaz Mengal and Haji Mehrullah Dad Zehri, along with hundreds of their supporters. PPP leaders Lala Rozi Khan Kakar, Naseebullah Shahwani, Muhammad Yousaf, Wali Muhammad Qalandarani and others were also present at the event.

Party position and development claims

Jattak, a former provincial president of PPP Balochistan, said the party had consistently wanted peace in the province. He said the PPP had been working from the outset to address unemployment, lawlessness and underdevelopment by improving access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, gas, electricity and employment opportunities.

He said the provincial government was trying to ensure that development schemes were completed on schedule so their benefits could reach the public. Jattak also said the PPP had consolidated its standing in Quetta and Sariab, adding that development activity in the provincial capital was moving ahead quickly.

Referring to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent visit, he mentioned the inauguration of several projects, including a trauma centre and an air ambulance service, saying these initiatives would contribute to Balochistan’s development and help provide essential facilities to residents.

Jattak said the government was also concentrating on sending young people abroad for modern and higher education so they could become productive members of society and play a role in the development of Balochistan and Pakistan.

Response to criticism

According to Jattak, Bugti was answering his critics through performance in light of the current situation in the province. He said the chief minister was taking practical steps in coordination with coalition partners to improve law and order and governance.

Responding to a question during the press conference, Jattak urged senior political leaders to back the government’s efforts instead of criticising them. The press conference was held as the PPP highlighted what it described as growing support in the province following the induction of new political and tribal leaders into the party.