QUETTA (6 AM Report): Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that grievances with the government may exist, but the state has committed no sin. He stressed that merit, better governance, and dialogue are essential to bridge the gap with the youth.
Addressing a seminar organized with the support of the European Union by PPAF and ICT, CM Bugti highlighted that Balochistanโs development is a daunting task with a limited development budget of Rs. 200 billion for a province covering 43% of Pakistanโs land area. He underlined the need for continued assistance from international development partners and the federal government.
He announced the establishment of the provinceโs first Climate and Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund to promote womenโs financial independence and support eco-friendly initiatives. The CM acknowledged that past bad governance and corruption created a distance between the youth and the state, but said the government is taking concrete steps to rebuild trust.
He pointed out that a new youth policy has been introduced, focusing on integrating young people into the economic mainstream through employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Under the interest-free loan program, Rs. 16 billion has been allocated in collaboration with BRSP and other partners. Bugti added that with international investment in projects like Reko Diq and Saindak, more resources will be directed towards youth empowerment.
The CM also addressed challenges in Quetta, saying that rising population pressures are creating urban issues. To ease the burden, facilities at divisional headquarters are being expanded. He vowed that the old practice of inflating land prices under the guise of road expansion will no longer be tolerated.
Highlighting the governmentโs austerity measures, he said Rs. 14 billion was saved from the previous yearโs non-development budget, proving the administrationโs commitment to fiscal responsibility. โThe youth remain the central focus of our government. Through good governance, we aim to restore their confidence,โ Bugti asserted.
On the occasion, CM Bugti, along with provincial ministers, visited stalls set up under the Small Grants Program and encouraged young entrepreneurs. He also distributed grant cheques among selected businesses.
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund CEO, Nadir Gul Barech, in his address, emphasized that every grant and loan under the GRASP program opens new doors for small-scale businesses, creating jobs and adding value to local production.
International Trade Centreโs Chief of Sector and Enterprise Competence, Robert Skidmore, noted that GRASP has linked SMEs and farmers in Balochistan with national and international markets, boosting incomes and generating thousands of jobs. He called it a clear example of how private-sector partnerships can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to guests.
