Balochistan Cabinet Bans Hate Material, Approves Endowment Fund for Minorities and First Transgender Policy

Quetta: The 19th meeting of the Balochistan Provincial Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, was held to review the progress on previous decisions and to approve key new initiatives aimed at public welfare and sustainable development.

One of the landmark decisions was the establishment of an **Endowment Fund for the welfare of minority communities**, ensuring improved facilities and equal development opportunities. In a historic move, **Balochistan’s first-ever Transgender Policy** was also approved, aimed at protecting the rights and promoting the socio-economic inclusion of the transgender community.

The cabinet also approved a ban on **hate-based published material**, reinforcing efforts to promote societal harmony and tolerance. Additionally, the cabinet ratified federal legislative proposals including the **Qanoon-e-Shahadat (Law of Evidence) Amendment Bill** and the **Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024**.

Other significant decisions included **upgrading Sakran and Karbala to tehsil status**, approval of the **Provincial Aviation Strategy** and a **three-year Aviation Development Plan (2025–2027)** to modernize air travel infrastructure. The cabinet also lauded the successful aerial medical rescue of injured persons from Turbat to Karachi.

A new **Prince Fahad Hospital** will be established in Dalbandin, and integration of **Technical Education & Vocational Institutes under B-TEVTA** was approved. The cabinet also passed the **Hospital Waste Management Rules 2025** to ensure proper and safe disposal of medical waste.

The cabinet decided to **exempt World Food Programme aid bound for Afghanistan from development charges**, as part of its humanitarian mission. Additionally, the names of the districts **Khaliqabad and Shaheed Sikandarabad** will be restored to their original names in compliance with Supreme Court orders.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti said the cabinet’s decisions reflect transparency, good governance, and a strong commitment to public interest. He reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure inclusive growth and development for all communities in Balochistan.