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       QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to declare Ziarat Development Authority (ZDA) an autonomous and efficient body, ‘free from any political and bureaucratic interference’.

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       Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti made these remarks on Friday while presiding over a meeting for reforms in ZDA.

       “No undue influence on or corrupt practices within the authority would be tolerated,” CM Bugti said.

       To reinforce the ZDA’s autonomy, the CM ordered amendments to its legislation. The proposed amendments would be vetted by the law department before submission to the provincial cabinet for approval.

       Meeting chaired by Bugti approves repurposing of public properties, conservation of juniper forests

       Earlier, the authorities concerned briefed the meeting about ZDA performance and upcoming projects.

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       Minister for Food Noor Mohammad Dummar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Development and Planning) Hafiz Abdul Basit, Finance Secretary Babar Khan, Forests Secretary Noor Ahmed Pirkani and the ZDA project director attended the meeting.

       It was decided that proposals from national and international firms would be invited to develop a practical and comprehensive plan for transforming Ziarat into an eco-friendly tourism hub.

       The meeting also approved the repurposing of additional government properties, such as the CM House annexe, Chief Secretary House and IG House, under public-private partnership models to boost tourism and generate revenue.

       CM Bugti reiterated the resolve to ensure merit-based operations in ZDA and said that the authority would function independently and transparently, serving as a model of good governance.

       “Plans were unveiled to position Ziarat as a premier tourist destination in Pakistan within the next two years,” he said, adding that all necessary resources would be provided to the authority for developing Ziarat as a tourist hub.

       The chief minister directed the forest department to devise comprehensive conservation strategies for forests and wildlife, integrating them with Ziarat’s development plan.

       He also called for alternative energy solutions for residents to protect the region’s precious juniper forests from deforestation.

       Published in Dawn, November 23th, 2024