Balochistan Minister Defends CM Bugti’s Comments on FWO Performance

GWADAR: Balochistan Planning Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmad Buledi has clarified that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s recent remarks regarding the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) were taken out of context. This statement comes in the wake of CM Bugti’s acknowledgment of the FWO’s shortcomings in performance, which he made while responding to criticisms from National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch.

During a session of the Balochistan Assembly in late October, Dr Baloch, a former chief minister, criticized the contracting process for road projects, alleging that the FWO awarded contracts based on its own preferences. In response, CM Bugti expressed his dissatisfaction with the FWO’s work, stating that even roads in his constituency had fallen into disrepair, highlighting a broader concern shared by the provincial assembly.

This exchange underscores ongoing tensions regarding infrastructure development in Balochistan, a province that has struggled with quality and accountability in public works. The FWO, tasked with significant projects, is now facing scrutiny over its operational effectiveness, which could have implications for future contracts and public trust in government initiatives.

Looking ahead, the provincial government may need to reassess its partnership with the FWO and consider implementing stricter oversight measures to ensure that infrastructure projects meet quality standards. Further discussions in the assembly are expected as lawmakers seek to address these pressing issues.