QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday clarified the composition of provincial and federal cabinets following the 18th Amendment, stressing that the size of cabinets is constitutionally restricted and outlining the limited role of parliamentary secretaries.
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CM Bugti noted that prior to the 18th Amendment, all 62 members of the Balochistan Assembly had served as ministers. However, Article 130(6) now limits the provincial cabinet to 15 members or 11 percent of the assembly, whichever is higher. Similar restrictions apply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Sindh’s cabinet cannot exceed 19 members. At the federal level, Article 92 caps the cabinet strength at 49 members.
Addressing the role of parliamentary secretaries, CM Bugti said their duties are confined to managing departmental business within the assembly and assisting the chief minister during question hours. He clarified that they have no signing authority or power to issue policy directives, and the minister remains the head of the department.
He emphasized that appointing parliamentary secretaries is the prerogative of the chief minister, and offices have been provided to facilitate their work. The statements were made during a provincial assembly session while responding to a query from Leader of the Opposition Younis Zehri of JUI-F.
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CM Bugti’s remarks highlight the constitutional framework for cabinet composition and reinforce the distinction between ministers and parliamentary secretaries in the governance structure of Balochistan.