Syed Ali Shah:Â
Quetta, January 9: Electric bikes will be provided to students in Balochistan under a newly approved provincial government initiative aimed at easing transportation challenges and promoting affordable mobility.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Balochistan provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Under the scheme, students will be eligible to receive electric bikes with a 30 percent government subsidy, while the program will be implemented through bank financing to ensure access on easy installment plans.
The scheme will also cover working women and government employees, with provisions allowing members of the general public to benefit as well. Officials said the initiative is designed to reduce travel costs, support education continuity, and encourage the use of environmentally friendly transport.
During the meeting, the cabinet emphasized that public funds would be utilized transparently and in a manner that benefits a broad segment of society. The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare, youth facilitation, and sustainable development through practical policy measures.
Health Insurance for Government Employees
The cabinet was informed that annual medical expenses for approximately 250,000 government employees amount to billions of rupees. To address this, it approved the introduction of a comprehensive health insurance scheme aimed at ensuring transparent, efficient, and sustainable healthcare coverage. The cabinet also approved the audit of advance medical payments and the public endowment fund to strengthen financial accountability.
Youth Empowerment and Merit-Based Governance
To promote economic independence among young people, the cabinet approved the expansion of the Enterprises Development Programme, extending its reach to Gwadar, Kech, and Awaran districts. Emphasizing good governance, the cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based appointments, declaring that no compromise would be made on transparency and merit.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that public funds are a trust and must be utilized fairly and responsibly. He stressed that development resources should benefit the wider population rather than a select few, adding that youth empowerment and public welfare remain top priorities of the provincial government.
Balochistan Food Authority Intensifies Action Against Unsafe Food
In a separate development, the Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) intensified its crackdown against substandard and unsafe food items across the province.
According to a BFA spokesperson, inspection teams carried out a comprehensive food safety operation in Quetta, Kuchlak, and Sibi, inspecting a total of 79 food establishments. Serious violations were identified at several locations, leading to immediate action against 33 food outlets.
