QUETTA: The Baloc­histan cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday, approved a series of measures aimed at promoting economic development, improving public services and strengthening administrative governance across the province.

Briefing the media, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Political Affairs Shahid Rind said the decisions reflected the government’s commitment to public welfare and practical reforms.

The cabinet approved the Balochistan Mineral Development Fund Policy to ensure that revenue from natural resources contributes to public welfare and provincial development. It also endorsed draft tourism and cultural policies to promote investment, employment and the protection of historical heritage.

In education, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Non-Formal Education Act, 2025, targeting the enrolment of approximately 1.6 million children aged 10 to 16 who are outside the formal education system. Double-shift teaching in government schools was also approved to accommodate more students using existing infrastructure.

To revive economic activity, the cabinet approved incentives for reopening closed industrial units. Amendments to public procurement rules were approved to expand electronic bidding, enhance transparency and encourage competition. Electronic bidding will be mandatory for tenders exceeding Rs500,000 across relevant procurement categories.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026