QUETTA: Balochistan cabinet on Friday approved several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s economic, social, and administrative systems.
At its 21st meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the cabinet took major decisions including the launch of a comprehensive health insurance scheme for government employees and an Electric Bikes Scheme for the public.
To provide relief and promote affordable transportation, the cabinet approved the Electric Bikes Scheme under which students, working women, and government employees will be provided electric bikes at a 30 percent subsidy. Ordinary citizens will also be able to avail the facility through easy installment plans. The scheme will be implemented through bank financing to ensure maximum public participation.
The cabinet noted that around 250,000 government employees in Balochistan incur annual medical expenses estimated at Rs 6 to 7 billion. In view of this, it approved the introduction of a comprehensive health insurance scheme to ensure a transparent, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system for government employees.
Approval was also granted for the audit of advance medical payments and the Public Endowment Fund under the existing policy framework.
In a move to promote youth empowerment and economic self-reliance, the cabinet approved the expansion of the Enterprises Development Programme to Gwadar, Kech, and Awaran, enabling a larger number of young people to benefit from entrepreneurial opportunities.
The cabinet reiterated that all appointments would be made strictly on merit, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and transparency.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for initiating major communication and education projects in Balochistan, terming them vital for the province’s overall development.
He said the Electric Bikes Scheme would provide affordable transport to people from all walks of life, while the health insurance initiative would ensure improved healthcare access for government employees. The chief minister added that the expanded Enterprises Development Program would help guide more youth towards economic stability.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasised that public tax resources are a trust of the people and that their fair and transparent utilisation is the government’s foremost responsibility. He reaffirmed that good governance is directly linked to meritocracy and that the provincial cabinet remains fully committed to the strict implementation of merit-based policies across Balochistan.
