Balochistan’s Youth Full of Talent, Providing Education and Skills Is Government’s Top Priority: Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan

**Quetta (APP / Qudrat Daily) – November 3:**
Chairman of the **Prime Minister’s Youth Programme**, **Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan**, has said that the youth of **Balochistan possess immense talent** and potential, stressing that it is the government’s **foremost responsibility to provide education, skills, and platforms** to empower them.

Addressing a ceremony in Quetta held under the **Prime Minister’s Interest-Free Loan Scheme**, where cheques were distributed among young beneficiaries, Rana Mashhood said the time has come to **place Balochistan on the path of progress** by giving its youth **opportunities based on merit and capability**.

“When I visit Balochistan, I am always inspired by the enthusiasm of its young people. The children of this province are in no way behind the rest of the country in terms of ability,” he remarked.

He noted that **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** had “honored Balochistan by seating a daughter of the province on his chair,” reflecting the government’s commitment to **inclusivity and representation**. He also announced that **the Prime Minister will personally visit Quetta** to launch the **Laptop Distribution Scheme**.

Rana Mashhood urged young people to **take full advantage of the interest-free loan program** to improve their livelihoods, emphasizing that the government aims to **equip every province’s youth with equal opportunities under the PM Youth Programme**.

He added, “Our focus is on merit, not privilege. This is a golden opportunity for the youth of Pakistan, especially Balochistan.”

Highlighting national unity, he said, “Our enemies want to weaken Pakistan, but Balochistan, which voted for Pakistan, deserves its due rights today. We must ensure schools, education, and health facilities across the province.”

Referring to regional security, he said, “India attacked Pakistan, and our brave armed forces gave a befitting response — the world has witnessed it. Today, Pakistan’s dignity is being restored globally as countries like **China, Japan, and Korea** open their doors to Pakistanis.”

Earlier, **hearing- and speech-impaired children** presented the national anthem and a tableau showcasing the **cultural diversity of all four provinces**, which received widespread applause.

Also speaking at the event, **Nadir Gul Bareech**, CEO of the **Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)**, said that several projects are underway in Balochistan to **eradicate poverty and make youth self-reliant**. He revealed that **over 93,000 young people in the province have been trained** so far in various trades and skills, enabling them to earn a **respectable livelihood**.

The ceremony was also attended by **MPA and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare Haji Wali Muhammad Noorzai**, senior officials, and people from different walks of life.