Elevating Balochistan: Upgrading the Status of Four Districts
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal made a groundbreaking announcement, ushering in a new era for Gwadar, Turbat, Khuzdar, Chaman, and Hub. These regions are set to transform into Metropolitan Corporations, marking a significant shift in their administrative status.
In a recent high-level gathering convened by the provincial chief executive, a comprehensive plan was unveiled, outlining the creation of fresh municipal committees, municipalities, and the establishment of 24 novel municipal corporations. CM Kamal emphasized that this development is a response to the burgeoning urban populations, a first in Balochistan's history.
The Chief Minister's vision is clear: these strategic moves are aimed at improving the lives of the people at the grassroots level. Moreover, discussions revolved around local body elections, with the local government secretary providing insights into the election process and associated challenges.
A crucial upcoming event on the horizon is a hearing scheduled for today at the election commission, where CM Kamal instructed government officials to present a well-reasoned position. Legal intricacies related to the delimitation of local bodies, including election matters, were also on the agenda.
Notably, the provincial government wields the authority, as outlined in section 13 of the Balochistan Local Government Act 2010, to determine these boundaries independently. The decision regarding delimitation is firmly in the hands of the provincial government, with prior communication to the election commission.
The election commission is committed to conducting local body elections in full compliance with provincial laws. The outcome of an All Parties Conference, convened to amend the Local Government Act, 2010, will be tabled in the next cabinet meeting.
This significant meeting witnessed the participation of key figures, including Provincial Ministers Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Engineer Zamarak Khan Achakzai, Umar Khan Jamali, Balochistan Chief Secretary Motahar Niaz Rana, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Asfandyar Khan, Local Government Secretary Ahmad Raza Khan, Finance Secretary Abdul Rehman Bazdar, and Director General Relations Public Prince Farhat Ahmadzai.
Furthermore, Local Government Advisor Nawabzada Gohram Khan Bugti and Balochistan advocate general joined the proceedings via video link, underscoring the importance of these decisions for the province's future.