CM Bugti's remarks about FWO's performance taken out of context: Balochistan minister

<p>GWADAR: Balochistan Planning Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmad Buledi has said Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s recent <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2040356">remarks</a> regarding the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) had been presented out of context.</p> <p>Buledi’s clarification comes over a week after CM Bugti acknowledged shortcomings in FWO’s performance while <a class="link--external" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfB9RYiAzGl/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">responding</a> to remarks made by National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, who had also criticised the entity.</p> <p>Speaking on a point of order in the Balochistan Assembly in late October, Baloch, a former chief minister, had criticised the contracting process for road projects and alleged that the FWO had awarded work according to its own preferences.</p> <p>In reply, CM Bugti expressed his dissatisfaction with the FWO’s performance, adding that the elected provincial assembly shared these concerns. The chief minister said even roads constructed in his own area had deteriorated.</p> <p>He said the organisation was awarded projects with the expectation of quality work, but claimed that the entity handed projects to smaller subcontractors, resulting in poor execution.</p> <figure class="media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven"> <div class="media__item media__item--newskitlink "> </div> </figure> <p>Regarding projects by the National Highways Authority (NHA), Bugti said security-related challenges also affec­ted some road schemes and that the government was addressing those issues.</p> <p>On Friday, addressing an informal dialogue programme at the Turbat Press Club auditorium, Buledi emphasised that the FWO had rendered invaluable services for the construction of highways in Balochistan.</p> <p>He recalled that multiple personnel had <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1198290">lost their lives</a> during the construction of the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1302424">Hoshab-Panjgur-Surab Highway</a> (N-85).</p> <p>Buledi also highlighted the Balochistan government’s efforts to prioritise infrastructure development, education, healthcare and youth employment.</p> <p>Reiterating his position on the broader situation and development agenda in Balochistan, Buledi defended the FWO, terming its overall performance in the province commendable.</p> <p>Criticising certain political opponents, the PPP leader claimed they opposed the province’s progress and had attempted to create negative narratives around infrastructure projects.</p> <p>He cited their opposition to the Hub Industrial Zone, Gwadar Port, Mirani Dam, Gishkor Dam, and the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1591269">South Balochistan Package</a>, accusing them of misleading the public for political gain despite these initiatives being vital for regional prosperity.</p> <figure class="media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven"> <div class="media__item media__item--newskitlink "> </div> </figure> <p>In August, a high-level meeting of the Communication and Works (C&amp;W) Department <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2023587">reviewed progress</a> on Phase I and II of road-sector projects launched across the province under the Balochistan Socio-Economic Development Programme.</p> <p>Chairing the meeting, C&amp;W Secretary Babar Khan expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on certain critical projects.</p>