Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the recent decisions of the provincial cabinet are a guarantee of public interest and a step towards ensuring the long-term development of the province.
He was addressing the 19th meeting of the provincial cabinet, where a series of historic initiatives were approved focusing on governance reforms, social inclusion, and improved service delivery.
The cabinet ratified decisions taken in its previous meeting and reviewed the progress achieved so far. Among the notable approvals was the establishment of an endowment fund for the welfare of minorities, aimed at providing equal opportunities and better facilities for marginalized communities. The chief minister emphasized that the move reflects the government's commitment to inclusive growth.
In a significant development, the cabinet approved Balochistan's first-ever Transgender Policy, marking an unprecedented step towards protecting the rights of the transgender community and ensuring their socio-economic inclusion. "Our government believes in taking every segment of society along, particularly minorities, women, and transgenders, who have long been neglected," Bugti said.
The meeting also approved the Provincial Aviation Strategy and a Three-Year Aviation Development Plan (2025-27). The strategy seeks to modernize air travel infrastructure and strengthen emergency response services. The chief minister and his colleagues paid tribute to the aviation directorate for its swift action in rescuing three injured persons from Turbat and transporting them to Karachi for emergency treatment.
Further, the cabinet accorded tehsil status to Sakran and Karbala, aimed at decentralizing administration and providing basic services closer to local communities. The members also gave the green light to establish the Prince Fahd Hospital in Dalbandin, a modern health facility that would enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
In the legislative sphere, the cabinet ratified the Shahadat Law Amendment Bill and endorsed the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 presented in the National Assembly. To promote social harmony, the meeting approved a ban on the publication of hate material. Similarly, the Hospital Waste Management Rules 2025 were approved to ensure safe and efficient disposal of medical waste in healthcare centers.
Demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian support, the provincial cabinet decided to exempt World Food Programme shipments to Afghanistan from development charges, highlighting Balochistan's role in regional relief operations. Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department's campaign to clear city drains of drug addicts was acknowledged, and a committee was formed to review and strengthen these measures.
The cabinet also approved the integration of Technical Education and Vocational Training Institutes (TEVITA), and sanctioned the restoration of historic district names, Khaliqabad and Shaheed Sikandarabad, in line with the Supreme Court's decision.
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