QUETTA, Dec 05 (APP): The Balochistan provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, approved a series of significant measures spanning climate change, urban transportation, financial reforms, education, and administrative restructuring.
In its 20th meeting held on Friday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta, approved environmental protection, launch of the Balochistan Livelihood Support Project and public welfare.
The Chief Minister Bugti congratulated Field Marshal General Asim Munir on assuming the role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), praising his “wise leadership and defensive strategy” during recent Indian aggression. Sarfraz Bugti said the general’s actions had significantly enhanced Pakistan’s global standing, adding that the people of Balochistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in facing national challenges.
The cabinet approved new routes and additional buses for the Green Bus Service to improve urban commuting. Sarfraz Bugti also announced the launch of the province’s first-ever Pink Bus Service exclusively for women, describing it as a landmark initiative to ensure safe, dignified, and reliable travel for female passengers.
Declaring climate change one of Balochistan’s greatest challenges, Bugti announced the establishment of the province’s first Climate Fund to support eco-friendly policies and climate-resilient projects. The cabinet also approved the introduction of electric motorcycles and rickshaws, alongside phased restrictions on traditional vehicles to curb environmental pollution.
In a major financial decision, the cabinet granted approval for the establishment of the Bank of Balochistan. Bugti directed that the bank must be operational by next year, overseen by an administrative board formed with complete transparency and 100 percent merit.” He stressed that the institution would remain free of political influence and compromises.
The cabinet approved the appointment of a Chairperson for the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal, adoption of the Birth and Death Registration Model By-laws 2022, and a Special Marriage Act for the Bahá’í community.
To strengthen legal facilitation, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners will now be granted Justice of Peace powers, enabling them to direct police to register FIRs in cognizable cases, address harassment complaints, and reduce delays caused by legal complexities.
The cabinet decided to exempt taxes on construction costs for additional rooms in 3,000 single-room schools managed through Parent-Teacher Committees. A target has been set to expand 90 percent of these schools to at least two rooms within the next three years.
The Cabinet also signed the establishment of a Project Management Unit in the Planning & Development Department.
The cabinet approved implementation of Tax on Land and Agriculture Income Rules 2025 and amendments to the Balochistan Levies Force Service Rules 2023.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernize the financial structure, improve urban facilities, and implement reforms with transparency and speed.
“We are taking practical steps to tackle climate change, modernize urban transport, strengthen the education system, and build a sustainable economy,” Bugti said. “We are building a province where development is judged by results, not announcements—and where every citizen feels the government stands with them and is working to secure their future.”
The meeting concluded with prayers for the martyrs of security forces and civilians, and for the swift recovery of provincial irrigation minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani.