Balochistan cabinet approves policies on climate, media and fisheries

QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet on Thursday approved a set of policy decisions covering climate action, media regulation, fisheries, recruitment and food security during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

Chief Minister’s Adviser on Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind said the cabinet cleared a comprehensive policy for the use of the Balochistan Climate Change Fund. According to him, the measure is aimed at ensuring a coordinated and effective response to climate-related challenges in the province.

The cabinet also approved Balochistan’s first Advertisement Policy 2026. Shahid Rind said the policy is intended to remove dummy publications, support credible and market-based media organisations, and promote transparency and merit.

Fisheries and coastal administration

Separately, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill. The legislation is meant to support sustainable growth in the fisheries sector, conserve marine resources and encourage the adoption of modern practices.

It was also decided that the Balochistan Coastal Development Authority and Pasni Fish Harbour would be merged into the Fisheries Department.

Recruitment and wheat reserves

The cabinet further approved the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment for posts from Grade 4 up to below Grade 16. The new system will be introduced from the next financial year after June. All departments have also been directed to clear pending recruitment cases.

On wheat procurement, the cabinet endorsed the federal government’s policy of building strategic reserves through the private sector. It was decided that if local participation proves insufficient, the provincial government will approach the federal government for the procurement of 100,000 metric tonnes of wheat to ensure food security.

Endowment fund allocation

The cabinet also approved the allocation of Rs3 billion as seed money for the Balochistan Awami Endowment Fund, along with Rs1 billion for liabilities.

According to the details shared after the meeting, the fund is expected to support initiatives in education, health and other social sectors.

The decisions were announced after the cabinet meeting held in Quetta under the chairmanship of the chief minister.