Quetta, Balochistan: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, emphasized the crucial role of partnerships between the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during a conference hosted by the Department of Social Welfare in Quetta. He outlined strategies to foster sustainable development, enhance public welfare, and address societal challenges in the province.
During his address, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to implement welfare projects that aim to improve the quality of life for Balochistan’s residents. Acknowledging the pervasive issue of corruption, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms. He condemned unethical practices, such as the submission of fake degrees during merit-based recruitment in the education sector, and called for greater accountability from all segments of society.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced the annual organization of an NGO conference to promote cooperation and mutual understanding. He encouraged every individual to take an active role in preventing corrupt practices, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and trust.
Focusing on youth empowerment, the Chief Minister unveiled initiatives aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs. Through collaboration with Akhuwat, the government will provide interest-free loans to educated youth, enabling them to present and implement innovative projects. This initiative is designed to spur economic growth and create new opportunities for the province’s younger generation.
Education also formed a core theme of the Chief Minister’s speech. He introduced the Benazir Bhutto Scholarship for students from Balochistan and reiterated the government’s commitment to covering educational expenses for children of civil martyrs up to the age of 16. Furthermore, new scholarship programs for transgender individuals and minorities were launched to ensure inclusivity and equal access to education.
Addressing financial management, the Chief Minister highlighted inefficiencies in the utilization of Balochistan’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget. He emphasized the need for active engagement from government departments to ensure that all allocated funds are spent transparently on priority projects. The goal, he stated, is to achieve 100% budget utilization before the end of the fiscal year, promoting accountability and transparency in governance.
In his concluding remarks, Mir Sarfraz Bugti called on society to collectively condemn terrorism and promote unity. He stressed the importance of fostering cooperation, integrity, and inclusivity as cornerstones for Balochistan’s progress.
Why This Matters for Balochistan
The initiatives outlined by CM Mir Sarfraz Bugti underscore a forward-thinking approach to governance in Balochistan. From NGO partnerships and youth empowerment to tackling corruption and promoting inclusivity, these efforts aim to address critical socio-economic issues and pave the way for sustainable development.
