Bugti declares water emergency in Gwadar, suspends all taxes

Chief Minister attends funeral prayers of Major Sabtin

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has declared a water emergency and suspended all taxes related to water supply to resolve water crisis in Gwadar. The move comes amid growing public distress over persistent shortages in the port city.
The decision followed an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, who expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lethargic implementation of previously approved relief measures.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Chief Minister on the current situation and the strategies deployed so far for resolving water shortage in Gwadar. Despite the allocation of necessary financial resources, CM Bugti criticized the lack of tangible progress.
“If these measures fail to deliver immediate and effective results, I will personally camp in Gwadar with the Chief Secretary to oversee water supply operations,” Sarfraz Bugti warned.
He emphasized that the people of Gwadar are enduring severe hardship and reaffirmed that the government is mobilizing all available resources to address the crisis.
Sarfraz Bugti issued a stern warning to officials lacking the competence to manage the crisis, urging them to step aside in favor of more capable personnel. He ordered the immediate deployment of funds under the ‘Bridge Financing’ mechanism to combat the emergency.
The Chief Minister also directed the Gwadar administration to take decisive action against the so-called tanker mafia, whose exploitative practices have worsened the situation. He made it clear that such blackmail would not be tolerated and demanded strict enforcement to protect citizens.
To enhance water availability, Bugti ordered an urgent feasibility report on restoring eleven non-functional desalination plants. He underscored the importance of reactivating these facilities to ensure a sustainable water supply.
Calling the crisis a fundamental issue of human need rather than mere administration, Sarfraz Bugti stressed the importance of building consensus among political parties, institutions, and stakeholders to develop a lasting solution.
He added that the provincial government is working on a comprehensive policy framework to prevent future water emergencies and safeguard public welfare.
Moreover, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti attended the funeral prayers of Major Sabtin Haider, who was martyred during an operation against the Khawarij in the Daraban area of ​​Dera Ismail Khan. The Chief Minister paid tribute to the martyred officer and said that the nation is proud of the sacrifices of its brave sons, who sacrificed their lives to defend the beloved homeland. He said that the sacrifices of brave officers like Major Sabtin Haider will not go in vain, their blood has further strengthened the peace of the homeland.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of the martyr and said that the Balochistan government stands with the families of the martyrs at every step. He said that the eternal sacrifices of the security forces are further strengthening the resolve to completely eradicate terrorism, and the entire nation stands by the side of the Pakistan Army. Staff Report