QUETTA (6 AM Report): The Government of Balochistan has dismissed reports of increased expenses in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, stating that the current provincial administration has taken steps to reduce costs and promote austerity.
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind clarified that under Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti’s administration, additional expenditures have been avoided, and for the first time in the province’s history, funds allocated for vehicle purchases were returned to the Finance Department.
The spokesperson highlighted that, unlike previous administrations, no new permanent recruitments were made in the CM Secretariat. In fact, 60% of the surplus staff was redirected to other administrative departments. Chief Minister Bugti has personally identified and addressed excess staffing issues, implementing a “right-sizing” approach within the secretariat.
Further, in a break from past practices, no VIP accommodations were made in private hotels; visiting dignitaries, including high-ranking officials, were housed in the CM Annex. Fuel expenses have been cut by half, and daily expenses have also been significantly reduced.
The government aims to maintain these practices as part of an ongoing commitment to cost-efficiency and financial responsibility.