Quetta: The Balochistan Cabinet has approved a series of major administrative, legal, and education reforms, including the establishment of two new divisions, digitisation of government recruitment, strict action against fake degrees, and key decisions on child labour and missing persons.
The decisions were taken during the 22nd meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
Digitised Recruitment and Administrative Reforms
The cabinet expressed satisfaction over merit-based recruitments conducted through online testing in the Finance Department and decided to gradually digitise the hiring process across all provincial departments to ensure transparency and efficiency.
As part of administrative restructuring, the cabinet approved the creation of two new divisions — Pishin and Koh-e-Suleman. It was also decided that Ziarat district will be administratively placed under Loralai Division. Proposals regarding the formation of new districts were also discussed.
In another key decision, the cabinet approved the abolition of the Religious Affairs Department, with its employees to be adjusted in other government departments.
Education Sector Overhaul
To strengthen the education system, the cabinet approved province-wide verification of academic credentials of contract-based teachers. The verification process will begin from Nasirabad and Dera Bugti districts.
The Chief Minister directed the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team to carry out the verification process and warned that FIRs will be registered against fake degree holders.
The cabinet also agreed to:
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Introduce the national curriculum as part of the provincial curriculum from the academic year 2026–27
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Launch the Chief Minister Academic Excellence Programme for Quality Teachers’ Support
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Recruit ad-hoc teachers of Mathematics, Science, and English at middle, high, and higher secondary levels
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Declare the Higher Technical Education Department an essential service
Legal and Social Welfare Decisions
The cabinet approved the Law Officers’ Evaluation Policy and amendments to the Grant-in-Aid policy of the Minorities Affairs Department.
A major decision was also taken against child labour, declaring forced labour for children under the age of 16 illegal across Balochistan.
Addressing the issue of missing persons, the cabinet approved new rules under which interrogation of suspects will be conducted under the supervision of authorised police officers, and families will be allowed to meet detainees.
Urban Development in Quetta
The cabinet considered proposals for establishing food streets in Quetta, including from Saleem Complex to Imdad Chowk and from Taxi Stand to Liaquat Square, and constituted a committee to review the plans.
The provincial cabinet termed these decisions a significant step towards improving governance, ensuring transparency, strengthening public service delivery, and addressing long-standing administrative and social challenges in Balochistan.
