Qaseem Shah:Â
Quetta, September 12: The 19th meeting of the Balochistan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, reviewed progress on previous decisions and approved several landmark initiatives aimed at provincial development, social welfare, and good governance.
Key decisions included the establishment of an Endowment Fund for Minority Welfare, ensuring equal opportunities and improved facilities for minority communities. The cabinet also approved the Provincial Aviation Strategy and a Three-Year Aviation Development Plan (2025–2027) to modernize air travel infrastructure across Balochistan.
Chief Minister Bugti, along with cabinet members, praised the Aviation Directorate for successfully conducting an emergency air rescue mission from Turbat to Karachi, which saved three lives.
The cabinet further approved granting tehsil status to Sakran and Karbala, aiming to provide local populations with easier access to essential services.
For the first time in Balochistan’s history, the cabinet approved a comprehensive Transgender Policy to protect community rights and promote their social and economic inclusion.
Other major approvals included:
- Endorsement of federal legislative bills on amendments to the Law of Evidence and the Constitution (2024).
- Ban on the publication of hate material to promote harmony and tolerance.
- Integration of technical education institutes under BTEVTA for better vocational training.
- Establishment of a modern Prince Fahd Hospital in Dalbandin to enhance healthcare facilities.
- Restoration of historical district names Khalikabad and Shaheed Sikandarabad as per the Supreme Court’s directive.
- Approval of Hospital Waste Management Rules 2025 for safe and efficient disposal of medical waste.
- Exemption of World Food Programme consignments to Afghanistan from development charges, as part of Pakistan’s humanitarian support role.
The cabinet also reviewed initiatives to rehabilitate drug addicts, appreciated the Social Welfare Department’s efforts, and formed a committee to monitor progress. In addition, detailed discussions were held on matters of livestock, forestry, IT, mines, minerals, education, local government, law, and infrastructure development.
Speaking at the meeting, CM Bugti emphasized that the cabinet’s decisions represent transparency, good governance, and the government’s commitment to inclusive development. He stressed that projects in health, education, and infrastructure are being launched to ensure long-term prosperity for the people of Balochistan.
