QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet has ap­­proved the province’s first-ever digital social media policy, aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for regulating social media while encouraging its positive use.

The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, met on Tuesday to discuss and approve the policy, which calls for the regulation of digital media under a formalised structure.

In another significant move, the cabinet decided to establish the Right to Information Commission, amending the relevant law to facilitate the appointment of necessary officials. The commission will enable citizens to access documents under right-to-information laws, the cabinet noted.

Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind told the media after the meeting that several key decisions had been taken, including the approval of new forestry laws to address environmental pollution.

The cabinet also endorsed the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Policy, which seeks to manage and optimise the province’s water resources more effectively.

The Balochistan Organic Agriculture Policy 2024 was also approved, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Chief Minister Bugti stressed the need to raise public awareness about this policy to discourage harmful farming methods.

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance of 1965 and the release of funds for the province’s participation in the Prime Minister’s Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C. This collaborative initiative aims to improve efforts to combat Hepatitis C across Balochistan.

The establishment of modern institutions for child and cardiac healthcare in Quetta was also discussed. A special committee, led by the provincial health minister, has been formed to formulate recommendations for these institutions, with plans to implement them through public-private partnerships, following the model of similar initiatives in Sindh.

The cabinet also paid tribute to the late provincial minister for local government, Sardar Sarfraz Chakar Domki, offering pra­yers for his soul. It also expressed sorrow over the death of MPA Patrick Saint Masih, ack­nowledging his contributions to parliament.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024