QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Monday adopted an important bill about providing protection to the women at their workplace from harassment and members termed it a significant step towards ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for working women in the province.

The bill was moved in the House on Monday by Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Women Development.

Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola presided over the session during which the Chairman of the Standing Committee, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, also presented the committee’s report. The House approved the bill without any opposition.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the passage of the bill without any opposition and said it is an important development for the women of Balochistan. He commended Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi for her dedicated work in preparing the bill and for taking the assembly into confidence for its approval.

CM hails move, says progress possible only when men and women work together

“This legislation is a practical step towards building a safe and empowering environment for women across Balochistan,” the chief minister said, adding that such a law not only guarantees protection but also fosters a workplace culture where women can feel secure, empowered and respected.

He emphasised that development of the province is only possible when men and women work together. He said that the move would serve as a source of encouragement for the women of the province.

The assembly also passed the Balochistan Health Institutions Reforms Bill with majority vote. The bill was moved by Health Minister Bakht Kakar. However, the opposition parties strongly opposed a separate draft bill seeking changes in it.

However, the House approved the health sector reforms bill following its presentation in the assembly, marking a step towards restructuring and improving healthcare institutions across the province.

Dr Malik Baloch, while speaking on the bill, said that politicians should keep themselves away from the board, adding that without politicians the board will work better.

“Professional and technocrats should be included in the board as its members so that it could be further improved,” he said.

Separately, Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Mir Zahoor Buledi introduced the Balochistan Levies Force Bill, 2025. The bill was referred to the relevant standing committee after it generated a heated debate in the House.

Opposition lawmakers, including Zamrak Khan Achakzai of the Awami National Party (ANP), and Mir Zabid Ali Reki of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI) expressed serious concerns over the bill.

They warned against any move merging the Levies Force with the police, describing the Levies as a historic and essential provincial institution. They also criticised the government for pursuing legislation on a matter currently under review in the Balochistan High Court and called it the contempt of court.

Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Buledi denied there were any plans to merge the Levies Force with the police. He clarified that the bill seeks to convert B-Areas into A-Areas and proposes the merger of Federal Levies into Balochistan Levies Force as per 18th Amendment. He urged committee members to submit their suggestions and assured that the bill remains open to amendments.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2025