Staff Reporter:Â
QUETTA: The Balochistan provincial cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, convened today to address several pressing matters and approve key policy decisions, according to provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind.
PPL Lease Agreement Concerns
The cabinet expressed serious concerns over the 15-year delay in the renewal of the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) lease agreement. During this period, PPL reportedly earned over Rs. 100 billion without sharing it with the provincial government. The Chief Minister resolved to escalate this issue with the federal government, stating that if no progress is made, a special Assembly and Cabinet meeting will be called to address the matter.
Wildlife Protection and Hunting Ban
The cabinet approved converting the Taktu Protected Area into a national park and announced a 10-year ban on hunting to protect wildlife. A parliamentary committee, including Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Noor Muhammad Dumar, and Naseemur Rehman, has been formed to engage local tribes through Jirgas on wildlife protection measures.
Development and Regulatory Approvals
The cabinet endorsed several initiatives, including:
- Amendment to Agricultural Production General Rules 1995
- Balochistan SME Development Strategy
- Recodec ML 20 Mining License Amendment
- Balochistan Public Gathering Assembly and Procession Act 2024, designating specific locations for protests and requiring permissions.
- Balochistan Land Revenue Amendment Act 2024
Support for Farmers
The cabinet approved payments for wheat purchased from farmers, addressing long-standing dues.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to resolving federal disputes, fostering economic development, and ensuring environmental conservation.
