Quetta: In a significant move to streamline the administration of local bodies, a high-level meeting was convened on Wednesday, chaired by Secretary Abdul Rauf Baloch. The session focused on the operational framework of Quetta’s newly established municipal corporations and their integration within the existing urban governance system.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the meeting brought together key officials including Secretary Local Board Shujaat Ali, Secretary Municipal Election Cell Khadim Hussain, Chief Metropolitan Officer Attaullah Bazai, Deputy Director PandA Farooq Tareen, and Administrative Officer Matiur Rehman Kasi. They deliberated on the administrative setup under the Local Government Act of 2010, aimed at enhancing efficiency across the four new towns of Quetta Metropolitan Corporation—Zarghun, Sariab, Chaltan, and Takto. The discussions also drew comparisons with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s structure, indicating a move towards adopting similar modern governance models.

The meeting highlighted the challenges and strategies associated with managing an expanding urban population, now in the millions. The Department of Municipalities underscored its commitment to ensuring the provision of essential services to the residents of Quetta, with ongoing efforts to decentralize authority and improve local governance. Recommendations from these discussions are set to be presented to Balochistan Minister Ali Mir Sarfraz Bugti for further action.