Balochistan Launches Strategic Projects to Boost Economy and Create Jobs for Youth: Chief Secretary

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan has said the provincial government has launched several strategic projects and an Enterprise Development Programme aimed at economic recovery and creating employment opportunities for young people.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on strategic projects across the province, the chief secretary said the initiatives were designed to strengthen local industries, provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promote the digital economy to accelerate economic growth.

Under the employment initiatives, the Enterprise Development Programme has set a target of providing grants to 57,000 people. So far, grants have been distributed to 2,500 beneficiaries, helping families establish or expand local businesses.

The government is also focusing on education and skills development. Under the programme, 370 students are being provided training in digital marketing and related courses to develop skills in online business, social media marketing, and e-commerce.

For financial assistance to SMEs, 180 businesses have submitted applications for support. The assistance is intended to facilitate business expansion, machinery purchases, working capital, and marketing activities.

Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan said the initiatives would not only address current economic challenges but also lay the foundation for achieving the province’s long-term development objectives. Relevant departments will establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and timely implementation.

He said work has also begun on Safe City projects in nine cities, while fiber-optic connectivity is being provided to schools, colleges, and government offices. Other initiatives include Command Area Development, establishment of fertilizer and fruit and vegetable markets, improvement of municipal services, provision of telemedicine facilities at 600 basic health units (BHUs) in urban and rural areas, measures to ensure sustainable drinking water supplies, and upgrading basic infrastructure.

The chief secretary added that construction of two additional classrooms in 3,000 schools is underway. Work on around 700 classrooms is in its final stages, while 1,100 classrooms are scheduled to be constructed during the current year.