CM Balochistan meets JUI provincial chief, says seminaries row stems from misunderstandings

QUETTA: Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti visited the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s provincial chief Maulana Abdul Wasey, where they held detailed discussions on the registration of religious seminaries and other matters of mutual interest. Provincial ministers and members of the provincial assembly were also present on the occasion.

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti said, “Misunderstandings have been created regarding action against or sealing of religious seminaries. The government neither had such an intention in the past, nor does it have any such intention now. Religious seminaries are an important part of society, and the government will continue to extend every possible cooperation for their development and improvement.”

Mir Sarfraz Bugti further stated, “The Parliament has already passed the Madaris Registration Act, and it now has to be presented in the Balochistan Assembly as well. Detailed consultations have been held with the leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in this regard, and Maulana Abdul Wasey has also put forward his demands and suggestions.”

The Chief Minister added, “Coalition partners from the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Muslim League have requested ten days from Maulana Abdul Wasey so they can consult their respective leaderships, as fundamentally this legislation relates to the federation and now has to be brought before the provincial assembly.”

He expressed hope that the matter would move forward through consensus-based legislation in the Balochistan Assembly.

Meanwhile, CM Bugti also paid a one-day visit to Baiker in Upper Dera Bugti, where he reviewed public issues, ongoing development schemes, and the provision of basic facilities.

During the tour, the Chief Minister inspected the Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti Memorial Hospital, visiting various departments, wards, and medical facilities. He reviewed the services being provided and received a detailed briefing from the hospital administration regarding healthcare facilities, medicine supply, equipment, staffing, and operational challenges.

The briefing also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery, introduce modern facilities, and ensure better treatment for patients.

Commending the performance of the hospital administration, CM Bugti stressed that providing quality and timely healthcare to citizens remains the government’s top priority, warning that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. He said the provincial government is taking practical and long-term measures to strengthen the health sector so that modern medical facilities can reach people, especially in remote areas.

He further emphasized that ensuring healthcare, education, and other basic services in underdeveloped and far-flung regions of Balochistan is the government’s core responsibility. He directed officials to ensure the availability of medicines, attendance of doctors and paramedical staff, and maintenance of service standards in hospitals.

Highlighting the broader vision of the government, the Chief Minister said Balochistan is committed to public welfare, timely completion of development projects, and the modernization of the healthcare system.