Balochistan local bodies to be dissolved on Feb 8, 2027

Provincial cabinet unveils broad package of administrative, financial, welfare and security reforms

QUETTA:

The Balochistan cabinet on Friday approved the dissolution of all municipal bodies across the province on February 8, 2027, upon completion of their constitutional tenure, while also unveiling a broad package of administrative, financial, welfare and security reforms aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, decided that all matters related to the next local government elections, including the creation of new districts, fresh delimitations and relevant judicial decisions, would be submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan well before the electoral process begins.

In a key decision regarding local government polls, the cabinet ruled that elections in Quetta would not be conducted in phases. Instead, local body elections in the provincial capital will be held simultaneously with polls in all other districts of Balochistan.

To address growing urban requirements, the cabinet approved the elevation of the Kharan Municipal Committee to the status of a Municipal Corporation. It also sanctioned the establishment of two new municipal committees in Dera Khetran of Barkhan district and Barshor.

The meeting approved several measures aimed at improving law and order. New police stations will be established in Hub, while a dedicated Women Police Station will be set up in Dalbandin to enhance access to justice and strengthen gender-responsive policing.

In a move aimed at promoting religious tolerance and social cohesion, the cabinet approved renaming the Minority Affairs Department as the Interfaith Harmony Department.

The provincial government also introduced a number of welfare and economic initiatives. All foreign-funded healthcare projects operating in Balochistan were granted a complete exemption from provincial taxes to facilitate development activities and encourage international support for the health sector. The cabinet further approved a monthly stipend of Rs28,070 for Graduate Nursing Trainees to support healthcare professionals entering the workforce.

For government employees, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the Balochistan Secretariat Employees Cooperative Society, which will provide interest-free loans to civil servants seeking to build their own homes.

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Balochistan Right to Information Commission Act 2021 to improve transparency and public access to official information.