QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet on Friday approved the first-ever Transgender Policy along with a series of major reforms, including a Minority Endowment Fund (MEF), an aviation development plan, and new health and governance measures.
Chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the cabinet’s 19th meeting underscored the government’s focus on inclusion, welfare, and sustainable development. The meeting endorsed previous cabinet decisions and reviewed progress on their implementation. It took several major decisions aimed at the province’s development, public welfare, and good governance.
In a historic move, the cabinet approved Balochistan’s first-ever Transgender Policy, marking a significant step towards protecting the rights of the transgender community and ensuring their social and economic inclusion. The cabinet approved the establishment of a Minority Endowment Fund to provide better facilities and equal opportunities to minority communities.
A Provincial Aviation Strategy and a three-year Aviation Development Plan (2025–2027) were adopted to modernize the province’s air travel infrastructure. The chief minister and cabinet members commended the Aviation Directorate for its successful emergency air rescue operation that saved three injured persons by transferring them from Turbat to Karachi.
In another decision, Sakran and Karbala were granted the status of Tehsils to bring basic services closer to local populations. The cabinet ratified two important bills: the Law of Evidence Amendment Bill presented by MNAs Shazia Marri and Qadir Patel, and the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 moved by MNA Riaz Fatyana. On the recommendation of the Home Department, a ban was imposed on the publication of hate material to promote social harmony and tolerance.
The cabinet endorsed the integration of Technical Education and Vocational Training Institutes (TEVTIs) under BTEVTA and approved the establishment of a modern Prince Fahd Hospital in Dalbandin, aimed at providing quality healthcare services. In compliance with a Supreme Court decision, the cabinet restored the original names of Khaliqabad and Shaheed Sikandarabad Districts. The meeting approved the Hospital Waste Management Rules 2025 to ensure safe and effective disposal of medical waste.
To support humanitarian efforts, the cabinet exempted World Food Programme consignments bound for Afghanistan from development charges. It also appreciated measures by the Social Welfare Department to clear drug addicts from Sari Nala and formed a committee to review further actions. Important agenda points from multiple departments – including Livestock and Dairy Development, Local Government, Law, Forest, Board of Revenue, Science and IT, Mines and Minerals, Higher Education, Social Welfare, and Communication and Works – were discussed in detail, and several key decisions were taken.
Addressing the meeting, Bugti said the cabinet’s decisions reflected the government’s commitment to the public interest and sustainable development of Balochistan. He emphasized that the provincial government was determined to move forward by including all sections of society, particularly minorities, women, and transgender people, and was undertaking major projects in health, education, and infrastructure to provide better facilities to citizens.
He said these decisions embodied transparency and good governance and represented a positive and sustainable path towards the province’s prosperity.