Governor of Balochistan Lauds UNHCR’s Support for Health and Education in the Province

Quetta:**Governor of Balochistan**, **Jafar Khan Mandokhel**, has expressed his appreciation for the **United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)** for its consistent and generous support in providing basic facilities and necessities, particularly in the areas of health and education. The UNHCR’s contributions have benefitted both **Afghan refugees** and the **local community** equally, said the Governor.

During a meeting at the **Governor’s House** in Quetta, he specifically thanked the UNHCR for helping convert major health facilities in the province, such as **Soly Hospital**, **BMC Hospital**, **Benazir Hospital**, and **Fatima Jinnah Sanatorium**, from traditional electricity sources to **modern solar systems**. The Governor emphasized that this shift to solar energy would significantly reduce operational costs, ensure **uninterrupted power supply**, and allow the **savings** to be redirected towards **other crucial development projects**.

The meeting was attended by **Ms. Philippa Candler**, **UNHCR’s Country Director**, and the **UNHCR’s Provincial Head**, along with **Arbab Talib**, the **Commissioner for Afghan Refugees**.

**Governor Mandokhel** further highlighted that both sides of the **Pak-Afghan border** have a **largely impoverished population**, with a severe lack of basic facilities. He pointed out the **alarmingly high maternal and child mortality rates** in these regions, urging the establishment of **modern hospitals** in **Chaman** and **Zhob**. These hospitals, he believes, would be equipped with advanced medical facilities to ensure **accessible healthcare** for the local population living along the border. He also noted that these hospitals could help **reduce the burden** on healthcare facilities in **Quetta**.

In addition, **Governor Mandokhel** reiterated the challenge of providing comprehensive services to **Balochistan’s sparse** and **geographically dispersed** population. He urged all international organizations to **focus their resources** on supporting the **province’s marginalized communities**, especially in areas such as **healthcare, education, and access to clean water**.

His call was for these institutions to actively engage in supporting the **poor and deprived people of Balochistan** by channeling their efforts and resources to address these critical needs.