QUETTA: In a significant session chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the Balochistan provincial cabinet approved a series of public-friendly decisions on Wednesday, including a major electric bike scheme and a health insurance program for government employees.
The flagship decision is the introduction of an electric bike scheme designed for broad accessibility. Under the plan, a 30 percent subsidy will be provided to students, working women, and government employees. Ordinary citizens will also be able to purchase the bikes through easy bank financing installments, aiming to promote affordable and eco-friendly transportation.
Addressing the substantial healthcare costs for the provincial workforce, the cabinet approved a comprehensive health insurance scheme for all government employees. The move comes in light of revelations that approximately Rs. 6 to 7 billion is spent annually on treating around 250,000 employees and their families in the province.
Further decisions included the audit of advance medical payments and the public endowment fund, alongside the extension of the Enterprise Development Program to the districts of Gwadar, Kech, and Awaran. The cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to strict merit-based appointments across the provincial government.
Chief Minister Bugti, addressing the meeting, emphasized fiduciary responsibility and good governance. “The resources obtained from public taxes are a trust, which should be spent fairly,” he stated, adding that “the establishment of good governance is not possible without merit.” The cabinet also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for launching communication and education projects in the province.
