Merit, Good Governance and Dialogue Key to Engaging Youth, Says Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that grievances with the government may exist, but “the state has committed no sin.” He stressed that bringing youth closer requires merit, improved governance, and promotion of dialogue.

Speaking at a seminar organized with the support of the European Union, PPAF, and ICT, Bugti highlighted that managing development in a province covering 43% of Pakistan’s landmass with a limited budget of Rs200 billion is extremely challenging. He said sustained development in Balochistan was impossible without the support of international development partners and the federal government.

The chief minister announced the establishment of the province’s first *Climate and Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund* to promote women’s financial independence and environmentally friendly initiatives. He admitted that past corruption and bad governance had created a gap between the state and youth, but assured that the government is taking concrete steps to bridge it.

Bugti said a comprehensive youth policy has been launched to integrate young people into the economy, with a Rs16 billion interest-free loan program being implemented in collaboration with BRSP and other partners. He added that global investments in projects like Reko Diq and Saindak would further strengthen resource-based initiatives.

Addressing urban challenges, Bugti noted that Quetta is under immense population pressure, creating growing problems. To ease the burden, facilities are being expanded in divisional headquarters. He warned that speculative land buying under the guise of road expansion will no longer be tolerated, adding that the government saved Rs14 billion from the non-development budget last fiscal year as proof of its austerity.

“Youth remain at the center of our government’s priorities, and their trust will be restored through good governance,” Bugti affirmed.

The CM, accompanied by provincial ministers, also visited small business stalls set up under a small grants scheme and encouraged young entrepreneurs.

PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Bareech, in his remarks, said every grant under the *GRASP* initiative creates new opportunities for small businesses, proving that with proper support, SMEs can transform entire communities. ITC official Robert Skidmore added that GRASP has connected Balochistan’s small and medium enterprises, including farmers, to national and international markets, generating income growth and thousands of jobs.

The seminar concluded with the distribution of grant cheques to selected entrepreneurs and souvenirs to guests.