Balochistan CM Reaffirms Commitment to Merit-Based Employment and Youth Empowerment

Quetta:Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Buggti, emphasized that promoting merit is the key to addressing youth disenchantment and distancing from the state. He stated that the first step towards restoring trust among the youth is providing them with employment based on merit. He further declared that job opportunities in Balochistan would not be sold.

The CM expressed these views during a meeting of the provincial cabinet. The session included significant decisions related to public welfare.

**Details from the Meeting:**

1. **Water Resources Development Program**: The cabinet approved the release of funds for the *Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Program*. The program will be funded through a soft loan from the World Bank and aims to improve agricultural water usage and water management practices in the province.

2. **Carbon Market Trading Policy**: The cabinet also approved the *Policy Guidelines for Trading in Carbon Markets*. Under this policy, a federal-level working group on carbon markets will be formed, with representation from all four provinces. The policy will be developed through consultation among the provinces, including Balochistan.

3. **Cricket Academy Project**: The provincial government had planned to establish a cricket academy on land belonging to Radio Pakistan on Saryab Road in Quetta. However, despite repeated efforts, Radio Pakistan was unwilling to release the land. Since Radio Pakistan is also a state institution, the provincial government decided not to pursue any conflict and will now build the cricket academy at an alternative site.

4. **Basic Facilities in Schools**: The cabinet approved a project to provide essential facilities in schools across Balochistan’s remote areas. This initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, is aimed at improving education standards. The $100 million, five-year project will focus on improving the quality of education, increasing school enrollments, and resolving distance-related challenges for children.

5. **Balochistan Foundational Learning Policy**: The cabinet also approved the *Balochistan Foundational Learning Policy*. This policy is part of ongoing educational reforms and aims to increase the literacy rate and promote quality education in the province.

6. **Teacher Appointment Act**: The cabinet gave the green light to the *Teacher Appointment, Transfer, and Posting Regulation Act 2024*. This new law will formalize the temporary recruitment policy for teachers and will ensure that teachers appointed at the union council and local levels cannot be transferred elsewhere. After cabinet approval, the act will be presented in the Balochistan Assembly.

7. **Local-Level Merit-Based Recruitment**: CM Buggti reiterated his commitment to ensuring transparency and merit-based recruitment at the local level. The entire cabinet expressed support for his decision to implement meritocracy in job recruitment processes.

8. **Ladies’ Club Restoration Committee**: A committee was established to review the restoration of the Ladies’ Club, including extending the lease agreement for the Girls Guides Association facility. Both these facilities have long served women in Balochistan.

9. **Health Sector Reforms**: The cabinet was briefed on health sector reforms, including the Grand Health Alliance. Provincial Minister for Health, Bakhit Muhammad Kakar, will provide detailed information in an upcoming press conference.

10. **Lease Agreement with PPL**: The cabinet also gave conditional approval to extend the lease agreement with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL). The extension will consider the pending case in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

11. **Delay in Dera Murad Jamali Bypass Project**: The cabinet expressed concern over the delay in the implementation of the approved bypass project in Dera Murad Jamali. The cabinet instructed the relevant authorities to write to the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite the project.

**Conclusion**: The cabinet meeting covered a wide range of issues aimed at improving public welfare, enhancing educational standards, and promoting merit-based governance in Balochistan.