Syed Ali Shah, News Desk:
Quetta, August 27, 2025 – Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has stressed that the province cannot achieve real and sustainable development without empowering women and ensuring their inclusion in every sphere of life. He made these remarks at the inauguration of the Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide financial strength and opportunities to women across Balochistan.
Addressing a large gathering that included Provincial Advisor for Women Development Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, ministers, lawmakers, civil society, and NGO representatives, the Chief Minister said the fund would become a “turning point” for women who have the talent but lack resources.
“Balochistan’s women are gifted with extraordinary abilities, but due to limited facilities their potential often remains untapped. It is our collective duty to give them equal opportunities so they can stand shoulder to shoulder with men in villages, towns, and cities,” Bugti said.
He announced that despite financial challenges, the provincial government had increased the size of the fund to Rs. 5 million to help women establish businesses, generate employment, and secure financial independence. He added that the initiative reflects the government’s strong commitment to gender equality.
Bugti underlined the importance of education, recalling the Quranic injunction “Iqra” (Read) which applies equally to men and women. “We want the daughters of Balochistan to reach Harvard, Oxford, and other world-class institutions,” he said, highlighting education as the foundation of empowerment.
The Chief Minister also praised Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her as a symbol of courage and inspiration for women in the Muslim world. Drawing a sharp contrast, he said: “History will decide between those who want our educated girls to wear suicide jackets and spread destruction, and us, who are sending them to universities, granting them property rights, and giving them capital to start businesses.”
Bugti revealed that ownership rights for women will be prioritized in nearly 8,000 houses under construction for flood-hit families, ensuring their empowerment within households. He also congratulated a woman entrepreneur from Khuzdar for launching a Women’s Bazaar and announced government support for the initiative, while lauding the resilience of women from Gwadar and surrounding areas.
He made special mention of a visually impaired girl who benefited from the fund, assuring her continued government assistance to help her build a dignified life.
During his address, Bugti also credited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his contributions towards women’s empowerment and said Balochistan would continue this journey under his vision.
In her remarks, Provincial Advisor for Women Development Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi said women’s economic independence is central to the province’s progress. She emphasized that the newly launched fund will not only provide financial assistance but also integrate women into the broader framework of social and economic growth.
“Women in Balochistan are second to none in talent and skill. They only need opportunities and resources to prove themselves,” Dr. Buledi said, adding that the government has already introduced initiatives such as interest-free loans, business opportunities for skilled women, and social development projects.
She reaffirmed that the Women Development Department will continue to support women in education, business, and social sectors. She also called upon civil society and other institutions to collaborate with the government in advancing women’s empowerment.
At the conclusion of the event, CM Bugti, along with Dr. Buledi and women cabinet members, distributed endowment fund documents to women beneficiaries and presented shields to the organizers.
