QUETTA, Feb 25 (APP): The 23rd meeting of the provincial cabinet of Balochistan, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, concluded with wide-ranging decisions on law and order, economic stability, agricultural reforms, institutional restructuring, and public welfare.
Briefing the media on the decisions taken in the two-day cabinet session, Shahid Rind, Aide to the Chief Minister on Media and Political Affairs said the cabinet conducted detailed deliberations before approving a series of significant and far-reaching measures.
He said that the cabinet strongly condemned the January 31 terrorist incidents, paying tribute to the martyrs and expressing solidarity with affected families. Shahid Rind said that the members reaffirmed their resolve to eliminate terrorism and commended the timely response of security forces.
The Inspector General of Police, Balochistan, briefed the cabinet on law and order along national highways in Sibi, Naseerabad, and Kachhi districts, he added. The IG was directed to ensure sustainable security arrangements and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
The cabinet approved the “Water Conservation and Productivity Enhancement in Balochistan through Climate Smart Agriculture” project, to be launched with financial assistance from the Korea Eximbank.
The initiative aims to promote efficient water use, modern farming techniques, and climate resilience, boosting productivity and farmer incomes across the province.
To encourage investment and industrial growth, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Land Lease Policy 2026, ensuring transparent land utilization to spur industrial and commercial activity and generate employment opportunities.
The cabinet approved the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025–26, under which the Food Department will procure 0.50 million metric tons of wheat for strategic reserves.
CM Bugti ordered strict action against irregularities in wheat management, forming a parliamentary subcommittee to investigate misconduct. A committee led by the Chairman CMIT will determine pricing of old wheat stocks based on market rates and grain condition. Officials implicated in corruption within the Food Department were ordered to be arrested and dismissed.
The cabinet approved the funds for salaries of Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) employees. The cabinet also decided on restructuring BDA and other autonomous bodies to improve financial discipline, reduce reliance on the provincial exchequer, and make institutions self-sustaining.
The cabinet also approved the Balochistan Public-Private Partnership Act 2025 and the Balochistan Levies Force (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Public-Private Partnership Act aims to enhance private sector participation in development projects, promote transparency, and accelerate the completion of large-scale initiatives.
Under the Levies Force Amendment Bill, employees over the age of 50 who voluntarily wish to retire from the Federal Levies will be facilitated in accordance with rules. Similarly, Federal Levies personnel unable to serve in the police force will be granted voluntary retirement.
Concluding the meeting, CM Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, economic stability, agricultural development, food security, and institutional reform. He emphasized that all decisions were taken in the broader public interest to secure a stable and prosperous future for Balochistan.