Manzoor Ahmed Magsi :
Balochistan is taking a bold step to combat unemployment with the launch of its Youth Skills Development and Overseas Employment Program.
Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti deserves appreciation for translating his words into action.
Aimed at equipping 30,000 young people with practical skills, this initiative opens doors for overseas job opportunities, marking a critical move in addressing the province’s high unemployment rates.
With limited local job prospects, Balochistan has long struggled to provide adequate employment for its growing youth population.
The program focuses on trades such as Information Technology, healthcare, hospitality, and electrical work, preparing participants for international markets, including Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
A key aspect of the program is its merit-based selection process, ensuring equal representation from all districts in Balochistan.
This fair approach helps bridge regional disparities and promotes balanced development across the province. The emphasis on female participation also highlights the program’s progressive stance on gender equality, aiming to empower women as critical contributors to Balochistan’s economy.
In the first phase, over 2,300 young individuals will be sent abroad by November, with work permits allowing them to gain valuable international experience.
This not only benefits the participants but also bolsters the province’s economy through increased foreign remittances.
What sets this program apart is the government’s commitment to covering all costs, including training, visas, and job placements. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from seizing these opportunities.
By focusing on skill-building and international employment, Balochistan’s Youth Skills Development and Overseas Employment Program has the potential to uplift thousands of young people.
With strong implementation, this initiative can transform the province’s economic landscape, reduce poverty through remittances, and promote long-term prosperity.
The writer is a former press secretary to chief minister Balochistan and currently serves as the assistant director in the Balochistan Information Department
