News Desk: The Balochistan government has accelerated work on key development and public welfare projects across the province, with major progress reported in education, transport, energy, irrigation, healthcare, and urban security.
The updates were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, where officials assessed the implementation status of strategic provincial projects.
More Than 136,000 Out-of-School Children Return to Classrooms
Officials informed the meeting that the much-awaited People’s Train Service is nearing launch, with train coaches already prepared. Regular operations are expected to begin on August 14, marking a major step in improving public transport connectivity in Balochistan.
In the education sector, authorities said 2,100 new community schools have been established, helping more than 136,000 out-of-school children return to classrooms. The initiative is being described as one of the province’s largest education outreach programs.
The government also claimed major success in healthcare, stating that Balochistan achieved 94 percent of its routine immunization targets, outperforming several other provinces.
Plan to Install 1,255 Filtration Plants Across 900 Union Councils
Progress on off-grid energy projects for remote districts was also reviewed. Officials said alternative energy initiatives and private sector partnerships could reduce electricity costs by up to 50 percent in underserved areas.
The provincial government has set a June 30 deadline to convert eight cities into Safe City projects aimed at strengthening surveillance, public safety, and urban security systems.
In the clean water sector, authorities plan to install 1,255 filtration plants across 900 union councils to improve access to safe drinking water throughout the province.
Public Welfare Projects Would not be Compromised
The meeting also reviewed the Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program, under which 620 additional candidates have been selected and work visas are being issued.
Officials further discussed progress on five irrigation dams expected to bring more than 42,000 acres of land under cultivation after completion.
Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan said the timely completion of development projects remains the government’s top priority. He stressed that transparency and quality in public welfare projects would not be compromised.
He added that reforms in energy, education, and healthcare are delivering positive results, while improved coordination between departments is helping speed up development work across Balochistan.
