QUETTA: After reviewing the overall law and order situation in the province, the Balochistan cabinet has approved a series of security enhancements, economic initiatives, and public welfare projects, including the establishment of new police stations and a major subsidy for farmers.

The wide-ranging decisions, made during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday, are aimed at strengthening law and order, promoting good governance and spurring development across the province.

“These decisions reflect chief minister’s vision of building a strong, secure, progressive, and people-centric Balochistan,” government spokesman Shahid Rind said, announcing details of the decisions taken in the meeting.

On the security front, the cabinet approved the establishment of two new police stations in Kohlu and setting up new CTD police stations in Rakhani and Barkhan.

Creation of mineral development fund, Green Tractor scheme also approved

The cabinet also approved providing additional security at Mangi Dam and changing CTD jurisdictions in Loralai and Sibi.

To improve public health, the cabinet greenlit revival of non-functional hospitals in certain areas with support of the Pakistan Army to ensure healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

For agriculture sector, the cabinet approved the Green Tractor scheme, under which farmers will receive agricultural tractors at a 50 per cent subsidy.

The cabinet also ratified the upgrade of trained crop reporters in the Agriculture Department from Grade 6 to Grade 11, in compliance with a Supreme Court decision.

The cabinet approved the establishment of a Balochistan Mineral Development Fund to ensure the transparent use of mineral resources and encourage investment.

A high-level committee was also formed to assess the technical and financial aspects of 150-kilowatt solar projects in Lasbela and Hub.

To address future fiscal challenges, the Balochistan Contribution Pension Scheme Rules 2025 were approved to create a structured pension system for government employees and curb non-developmental spending.

Other measures approved include: the recruitment for vacant positions across all provincial departments to create youth employment; a revision of the laptop policy for students to make it more effective; amendments to Arms License Rules, eliminating free exemptions to make the system more transparent.

In addition, the cabinet okayed the appointment of Kiran Baloch as Chairperson of the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women; the reclamation of 20 acres of leased land previously allocated to a private medical institute; and, the approval of adjusting intern teachers from Makran and Kech for proper placement and retention, reflecting progress in education.

The cabinet also approved new Excise and Taxation rules and amended Journalists Welfare Rules, ensuring better support for the press community.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2025