QUETTA: The Balochistan government has announced major policy and development decisions, including the province’s first-ever transgender strategy, the creation of an endowment fund for minority communities, and a ban on hate speech.
According to a press release from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Friday, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti presided over the 19th cabinet meeting and described these decisions as a commitment to public interest and sustainable development.
He emphasized that his administration is focused on implementing practical reforms to uplift marginalized groups, including minorities, women, and the transgender community.
The cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated fund to improve facilities and ensure equal opportunities for minority communities.
It also endorsed a province-wide ban on the publication of hate speech to promote social harmony and reduce divisive rhetoric.
Additionally, the cabinet ratified Balochistan’s inaugural transgender policy, designed to protect rights and promote social and economic inclusion for the transgender community.
Addressing the meeting, CM Bugti highlighted that the cabinet’s decisions reflect transparency, good governance, and a commitment to sustainable progress.
He noted that the government is initiating major projects in health, education, and infrastructure to provide improved facilities and long-term benefits to the public.
Earlier, in July, the Balochistan Assembly passed a significant bill to protect women from harassment at their workplaces, a measure widely regarded as a step toward ensuring safe and inclusive working conditions.
The bill was introduced by Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Women Development.
The provincial cabinet also approved a comprehensive plan to modernize air travel infrastructure and designated Sakran and Karbala as new tehsils to bring essential services closer to underserved communities.
The construction of a state-of-the-art healthcare facility was approved to improve medical access, and historic district names Khaliqabad and Shaheed Sikandarabad were reinstated in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
The government emphasized new regulations for safe and effective disposal of medical waste in healthcare institutions.
Development charges for World Food Programme shipments destined for Afghanistan were waived.
The cabinet supported a bill introduced by PPP MNAs Shazia Marri and Qadir Patel for legal reforms at the provincial level and ratified the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 presented by MNA Riaz Fatyana.
Integration of institutes under the Balochistan Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (B-TEVTA) was endorsed to streamline technical education.
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Furthermore, the cabinet approved the establishment of a modern Prince Fahd Hospital in Dalbandin to provide quality healthcare services, along with the “Hospital Waste Management Rules 2025” to ensure safe and effective management of medical waste across health centers.
