Quetta: The Balochistan provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has approved a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at improving governance, transparency, and economic development across the province.
According to details shared by the Assistant Chief Minister for Political and Media Affairs, Shahid Rind, the meeting began with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of security forces personnel and civilian martyrs.
Local government roadmap and institutional restructuring
The cabinet approved the formal dissolution of local government institutions upon completion of their constitutional term on 8 February 2027. The government stated that all matters related to new districts, delimitations, and court decisions will be presented before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
It was also decided that Quetta will hold local body elections in a single phase alongside other districts to ensure uniformity and administrative efficiency.
Upgradation and restructuring of municipal bodies
Key administrative changes include:
- Establishment of new Municipal Committees in Dera Khetran (Barkhan) and Barshor
- Upgradation of Khuzdar Municipal Committee into a Municipal Corporation
Governance, transparency, and legal reforms
The cabinet approved amendments to the Balochistan Right to Information (RTI) Act 2021, aimed at improving transparency and access to public information.
To accelerate narcotics-related trials, all Sessions Judges, Additional Sessions Judges, and First Class Judicial Magistrates have been empowered to conduct trials under CNS (Control of Narcotics Substances) cases.
Public-private partnership framework
The cabinet also approved the Balochistan Public-Private Partnership Rules 2026, designed to enhance private sector participation in development projects and improve project delivery.
Employee welfare and institutional reforms
Several welfare measures were approved, including:
- Establishment of a Balochistan Secretariat Employees Cooperative Society to provide interest-free housing loans to government employees
- Renaming of the Minorities Affairs Department to the Interfaith Harmony Department
- Approval of contract appointment policy for Grade 1–15 employees in the Culture Department’s attached wings
- Final approval of the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Policy
- Tax exemptions for foreign-assisted health projects
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 28,070 for nursing graduate trainees
Law enforcement expansion
To improve security, the cabinet approved the establishment of new police stations in Hub and Damb, along with a Women Police Station in Dalbandin.
Officials said these reforms are part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance, promote transparency, and ensure public relief at the grassroots level across Balochistan.