Editorial:Â
The Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program is undoubtedly a landmark initiative, aiming to equip 30,000 youth from Balochistan with professional skills and send them abroad for employment.
This project, spearheaded by CM Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, has the potential to reshape the economic landscape of the province by creating job opportunities and increasing remittances. However, for such an initiative to truly succeed, transparency and merit-based selection must be ensured.
Are Only the Deserving Getting Selected?
While the government has assured that the entire selection process will be based on merit, there are unconfirmed reports suggesting that some blue-eyed candidates are being favored over genuinely deserving youth.
If such concerns hold weight, it would undermine the very foundation of this initiative. The selection must be free from political influence, favoritism, and nepotism to ensure that the right candidates get the opportunity to work abroad.
Why Should All of Balochistan Be Included?
Although the program is being piloted from Balochistan, should such initiatives be extended to youth from other less-developed regions of Pakistan as well? Poverty and unemployment are not limited to a single province. If this initiative is truly meant to empower the unemployed, it should eventually expand nationwide, providing equal representation to talented individuals from across Pakistan.
Future Ambassadors of Pakistan
The youth sent abroad under this program will not only improve their families socioeconomic conditions but also contribute to Pakistan foreign exchange reserves. They will represent Pakistan internationally, and their professionalism and hard work will define Pakistan’s image abroad. Hence, selecting the most capable and hardworking individuals is crucial.
Time for a Transparent Selection Mechanism
To prevent any doubts about the selection process, the government should take the following measures:
Establish an independent oversight body to monitor candidate selection.
Ensure complete transparency in the eligibility criteria and testing process.
Publicly disclose lists of selected candidates, their qualifications, and the selection method.
Allow third-party audits to verify that no favoritism or political influence is involved.
CM Mir Sarfaraz Bugti’s vision for a stronger Balochistan through employment-driven economic growth is commendable. However, for this initiative to gain public trust, the government must ensure a fair, transparent, and corruption-free selection process. The youth are Pakistan’s future, and their talent should not be overshadowed by favoritism.
