QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday handed over the keys to 250 newly constructed houses to victims of the devastating floods that ravaged parts of the province in 2022.

He called on the federal government to transfer the province’s flood rehabilitation project to the provincial administration for expedited implementation.

The houses, built by the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), were handed over to flood victims from Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah and Sohbatpur at a ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Mr Bugti criticised delays in the federal government’s rehabilitation plans, stating that nearly three years after the floods, victims in Balochistan were still awaiting support.

“Islamabad should hand over its rehabilitation of flood victims of Balochistan to the provincial government,” the chief minister suggested, adding that the provincial government would complete it within eight to nine months under a public-private partnership model.

CM Bugti calls for provincial control of flood rehabilitation in Balochistan

Mr Bugti credited PPP Cha­i­rman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for prioritising flood rehabilitation efforts. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inquires about the progress of this project in every meeting and directs immediate action.”

The chief minister praised KORT for its role in completing 250 houses for flood victims, describing the organisation’s work as “selfless service to humanity”.

He assured full government support to institutions engaged in humanitarian efforts and announced the establishment of a large facility for orphaned boys and girls in Balochistan, with land to be provided free of charge by the provincial government.

“Philanthropists, ministers, members of the assembly and government employees will cooperate according to their ability,” he said and promised that he himself would also participate in this good deed.

Once again praising KORT’s efforts, Mr Bugti said that just as the entire nation was united during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, people from Kashmir are coming to help the people of Balochistan today.

“This beauty of national unity is the distinguishing feature of our beloved homeland,” he said. He said that at that time, the people of Balochistan fulfilled their responsibility, and today, this organisation has returned the debt of humanitarian service by helping the people of the province.

The chief minister paid tribute to all the donors, philanthropists and volunteers and announced appreciation certificates to honour their contributions.

Concluding his address, Mr Bugti reaffirmed his government’s commitment to driving Balochistan’s progress. “Balochistan is changing, and together we will place the province on the path of development,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, KORT Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar highlighted the organisation’s contributions to flood rehabilitation efforts.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2025