Balochistan Government Announces Key Policy Approvals and Ongoing Efforts in Recent Cabinet Meeting

Quetta:In a press conference following the Balochistan Cabinet’s fifth meeting, government spokesperson Shahid Rind announced several significant decisions. The cabinet approved the Balochistan Youth Policy 2024, the establishment of Peace Councils across the province, and the Balochistan Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act 2024. The government also committed to pursuing every possible effort for the safe recovery of individuals kidnapped in Shaaban and providing maximum support for flood relief in affected areas.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, included a special address from Israrullah Khan Kakar, President of the Oxford University Students’ Union, who was honored with a shield. The session also featured a briefing from the IG Police Balochistan on law and order, with the cabinet agreeing to modernize and activate police and levies forces for peace restoration.

Shahid Rind highlighted that the Balochistan Youth Policy, which had been pending since 2016, was given the green light. He noted that the policy aims to bridge the gap created by negative social media propaganda and misinformation, offering comprehensive recommendations for youth development at national and global levels. The policy includes measures for the welfare of male, female, and transgender youth.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of mediation councils at the union council level to resolve minor disputes, a successful initiative already implemented in Quetta. Additionally, the Balochistan Institute of Nephrology and Urology’s service rules were approved, and the cabinet expressed displeasure over delays in road projects under the Southern Balochistan Package, urging for expedited work on these communication projects.

Further, the Balochistan Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act 2024 and the Balochistan Witness Protection Act 2016 were endorsed. Chief Minister Bugti suggested that the Chief Secretary be given voluntary powers to address cases of compensation for civilian martyrs swiftly, which the cabinet approved.

Shahid Rind also addressed questions about the ongoing flood emergency in four districts, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing all possible assistance. He mentioned that the government had started the tendering process for development projects on July 1st to improve the pace of work, and addressed concerns about a minor revenue shortfall of 2 billion rupees for Balochistan out of the federal 5 billion rupee revenue. He also clarified that there has been no confirmation regarding the discovery of bodies in Shaaban and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the safe recovery of abducted individuals.