Balochistan Cabinet Approves Key Reforms, Introduces AI-Based Recruitment System

Quetta: The provincial cabinet of Balochistan has approved a series of major policy decisions aimed at improving governance, transparency, and public welfare during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

Briefing the media, the chief minister’s adviser on political and media affairs, Shahid Rind, said the cabinet approved a comprehensive policy for the effective utilization of the Balochistan Climate Change Fund. He noted that Balochistan is the first province in Pakistan to establish such a fund, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, yet being among the most affected by climate change, floods, and natural disasters.

The cabinet also approved the province’s first Advertisement Policy 2026, aimed at eliminating fake publications, encouraging credible media organizations, and bringing social media under a regulated framework while ensuring protection of genuine journalists and media houses.

In another significant move, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill to promote sustainable development, resource conservation, and modern practices in the fisheries sector. It was also decided to merge the Balochistan Coastal Development Authority and Pasni Fish Harbour into the Fisheries Department to improve coordination and efficiency.

A key decision was the approval of recruitment for government posts from Grade 4 to Grade 15 through artificial intelligence systems. The new mechanism will be implemented after June in the next fiscal year, aiming to ensure transparency, merit, and the use of modern technology in hiring processes. Departments were also directed to expedite pending recruitment cases.

On food security, the cabinet agreed with the federal government’s policy to procure wheat for strategic reserves from the private sector. If local investors fail to participate, the province will request the federal government to supply 100,000 metric tons of wheat.

Additionally, the cabinet approved Rs3 billion as seed money and Rs1 billion in outstanding funds for the Balochistan Awami Endowment Fund to support projects in education, health, and social welfare.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, merit, and good governance, stating that climate change, food security, employment opportunities, and institutional reforms remain top priorities