The twentieth session of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, was held today. The cabinet has approved the establishment of the region’s first climate fund and decided to phase out polluting rickshaws and motorcycles.
During its 20th session, the cabinet announced that a comprehensive and effective strategy is being formulated at the provincial level to combat climate change.
“Electric bikes and electric rickshaws will be introduced in the province,” said the Chief Minister, explaining the plan to replace old vehicles.
The cabinet also committed to improving public transport, with the Chief Minister announcing that “the routes and number of the Green Bus service are being further increased to provide quality travel facilities.”
In a historic move for the province, a dedicated Pink Bus service exclusively for women is also being launched for the first time.
In a major economic decision, the provincial body gave its in-principle approval for the establishment of the “Bank of Balochistan.” Chief Minister Bugti directed that the new financial institution be made operational by the next year.
A clear directive was issued to establish the bank’s administrative board “on 100 percent merit basis,” with the Chief Minister emphasizing that it “be kept free from all kinds of political pressure and expediency.”
To improve citizens’ access to justice, the powers of Justice of the Peace across Balochistan were delegated to Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners.
Home Department officials briefed the cabinet that the Justice of the Peace will provide “an effective forum for providing immediate relief to citizens,” can direct police to register FIRs in cognizable offenses, and will take immediate action on harassment-related complaints.
Several legal frameworks were also ratified, including the endorsement of the Chairperson of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal and the approval of the Model Bye-Laws for Registration of Births and Deaths 2022.
The cabinet also approved a special Marriage Act for the minority Baha’i community, passed the Tax on Land and Agriculture Income Rules 2025, and approved amendments to the Balochistan Levies Force Service Rules 2023.
In the education sector, the cabinet granted a tax exemption for the construction of additional rooms in 3,000 single-room schools, aiming to expand 90 percent of them to at least two rooms within three years.
Additionally, the establishment of a “Project Management Unit” in the Planning and Development Department and the “Balochistan Livelihood” support project were both approved.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal General Asim Munir on assuming his responsibilities, stating that under his leadership, the defense strategy of Pakistan’s armed forces had “brought pride to Pakistan worldwide” during past Indian aggressions.
“The Pakistani armed forces have an extraordinary ability to deal with global and national challenges,” Bugti said, adding that “the people of Balochistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their brave forces.”