The Balochistan cabinet has decided to launch an electric bike scheme for the general public, aimed at providing affordable and environmentally friendly transport through subsidies and easy installment plans.
The decision was taken during the 21st meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. The cabinet also expressed gratitude to the prime minister for initiating key communication and education projects in the province.
Under the scheme, students, working women, and government employees will be provided electric bikes with a 30 percent subsidy, while ordinary citizens will be able to purchase electric bikes through easy monthly installments.
The scheme will be implemented through bank financing, according to cabinet decisions.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that the provincial government spends approximately Rs6 to Rs7 billion annually on the medical treatment of around 250,000 government employees. In this context, the cabinet approved the introduction of a comprehensive health insurance scheme for government employees. It also decided to conduct audits of advance medical payments and the public endowment fund.
The cabinet approved the expansion of the Enterprises Development Programme to Gwadar, Kech, and Awaran districts, aiming to promote economic opportunities for youth. It also agreed on appointments strictly on merit to strengthen meritocracy and governance in the province.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti thanked the prime minister for support in infrastructure and education projects, and said electric bikes would be provided to people from all walks of life on affordable installments.
He said public funds collected through taxes were a trust and should be spent fairly. “It is unjust for the common poor citizen to suffer while a large share of resources is spent on a privileged few,” he said.
The chief minister added that a comprehensive health insurance scheme for government employees was being introduced, while the enterprises development programme would help create economic stability for a larger number of young people in Balochistan.
He emphasized that good governance was dependent on meritocracy, stating that the cabinet had reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based appointments and would ensure its implementation.
