CM Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti Meets British High Commissioner to Discuss Reforms, Climate Action & Youth Development

Quetta:Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, held a significant meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott, to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation including climate change, good governance, education and health reforms, and the province’s broader development strategy.

During the meeting, CM Bugti highlighted the province’s recent initiatives, stating that **climate change poses an extraordinary challenge**, and in response, **Balochistan has established its first-ever Climate Fund**. He also underscored the government’s continued efforts to promote **transparency and good governance**, citing that **Rs. 14 billion** was saved from the non-development budget in the last fiscal year.

Focusing on education, the Chief Minister emphasized the **Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program**, which provides access to quality education for students across the province. The program inclusively supports **children of civilian martyrs, transgender individuals, minorities, and other marginalized groups**. He also noted the **merit-based hiring of 16,000 contract teachers** and ongoing reforms in both the education and health sectors.

To empower the youth, CM Bugti shared that **Balochistan has introduced its first Youth Policy** and launched the **Chief Minister’s Youth Skills Development Program**, targeting to train **30,000 youth for employment opportunities abroad**. A new initiative in partnership with Akhuwat Foundation will also provide **interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs**.

Ms. Marriott appreciated the provincial government’s reform-driven agenda, particularly in governance and service delivery. The two also agreed to enhance collaboration in **police training and capacity-building of CTD (Counter Terrorism Department)** to improve law and order in the region.

The meeting concluded with mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation for the sustainable development and stability of Balochistan.