QUETTA: The Balochistan government has exempted the Pak-China Technical Vocational Insti­tute Gwadar project from payment of stamp duty for 2014 and 2020.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet held recently with Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani in the chair.

Mr Alyani said a comprehensive strategy was being made for all sectors.

The meeting discussed various issues and took important decisions.

The cabinet condemned the terrorist attack on FC personnel on Afghan border in Zhob district and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives as a result of the attack.

The meeting expressed concern over the alleged killing of a youth in police firing on Sariab road on Wednesday night and offered condolences to his family.

The cabinet approved tax exemption from stamp duty for the Pak-China Technical Vocational Institute Gwadar project for 2014 and 2020 and decided to set up a cabinet sub-committee for framing Balochistan hotels and restaurants rules, 2021, headed by the provincial adviser for culture and sports.

It also approved authorisation of funds for liability clearance of XIPH Tech Pvt Limited and legislation on the sighting of moon.

The cabinet also approved an agreement with the International Rescue Committee to cooperate on school enrolment and other issues for Afghan refugee children in Chagai and Pishin.

It also decided to work on the construction of affordable housing schemes on Quetta-Sibi road and discuss it at the next cabinet meeting. It approved changes in the nomenclature of development schemes of various departments and an increase in the cost estimated for construction of a sports complex in Quetta.

The cabinet also approved the construction of a media academy under the Public Sector Develop­ment Programme 2021-22. It gave approval to the construction of a gravity dam in Marriabad, Quetta.

The chief minister said employment opportunities for the people having technical education were being created.

“Good governance and good mechanisms lead to overall improvement,” he said.

He said efforts were being made to improving the standard of living of the people of the province.

Provincial ministers, Chief Secretary Mather Niaz Rana, Finance Secretary Pasand Khan Buledi, the additional chief secretary for planning and development and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2021