Qaseem Shah, News Desk:
Quetta, March 18 – Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti chaired a crucial provincial cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where the cabinet strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks on the Jaffar Express and in Nushki. The cabinet praised the swift response of security forces, stating that their timely actions prevented a major disaster.
The cabinet honored the brave personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and offered prayers for the martyrs. Expressing deep concern over the targeted killings of religious scholars in Balochistan, the cabinet emphasized that those attempting to disrupt peace in the province will be eradicated with public support.
Key Decisions of the Cabinet Meeting
1. Exemption of CM Youth Skills Development Program from Balochistan Sales Tax
• To create more employment opportunities for youth, the cabinet decided to exempt the Chief Minister’s Youth Skills Development Program from provincial sales tax.
2. Sale of Stored Wheat in Open Market
• On the recommendation of a special committee, the cabinet approved the sale of previously procured wheat in the open market to prevent spoilage due to changing weather conditions.
3. Approval of Balochistan Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund Utilization Policy 2024
• Under this policy, interest-free loans will be provided to women across Balochistan to enhance economic stability and growth opportunities.
4. Amendments to Workplace Harassment Protection Law
• The cabinet approved amendments to the law to ensure a safer and more secure work environment for women.
5. Renaming of Key Locations in Quetta
• On the recommendation of the Local Government Department, the cabinet approved renaming “Goli Mar Chowk” and “Kachra Road” after Shaheed Zakir Baloch and SR Poniger Road, respectively.
6. Expedited Contract-Based Hiring in the Education Department
• The cabinet agreed to fast-track hiring on a contract basis for 18 months, extendable based on performance and attendance, to improve the education sector.
CM Sarfaraz Bugti’s Address
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti stated that both the provincial cabinet and the people of Balochistan reject terrorism. He praised the sacrifices of security personnel, emphasizing that their quick response prevented greater destruction.
He reiterated that good governance and meritocracy are key to solving public issues sustainably. “It is unfair to link governance failures with the state. The government will ensure merit-based decisions and provide rightful opportunities to deserving individuals,” Bugti added.
The CM highlighted employment generation as a priority, vowing to address youth grievances by offering dignified job opportunities. He also reaffirmed that education and healthcare remain top priorities for the provincial government, with plans for contract-based recruitment to enhance service delivery in these sectors.
Bugti directed that future cabinet meetings should begin with a review of the implementation and progress on previous decisions, ensuring that governance remains efficient and transparent.
