Chief Minister Balochistan Urges Collaboration with NGOs for Development and Welfare

Quetta:Chief Minister of Balochistan**, **Mir Sarfraz Bugti**, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the development of the province and the welfare of its people. Speaking at the **NGO Conference** organized by the **Social Welfare Department** on Thursday, Bugti highlighted the need to align the working methods of government and NGOs, and to address political pressure that often has a negative impact on society. He expressed the desire to work with NGOs to devise strategies for the province’s progress.

“We will initiate collaborative welfare projects under **public-private partnership** to ensure the development and well-being of the people of Balochistan,” said the Chief Minister.

The conference was attended by various prominent figures, including **Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare**, **Haji Wali Muhammad Noorzai**, **Chief Secretary Balochistan** **Shakeel Qadir Khan**, **Secretary Social Welfare** **Abdul Rahman Buzdar**, and **Dr. Qaratalain**, head of IDS-P. Several other secretaries, officers, and heads of NGOs also participated in the event.

**Combatting Corruption and Promoting Merit**
During his speech, Chief Minister Bugti acknowledged that **corruption** had become a major issue in the province. While he admitted that it couldn’t be eradicated overnight, he assured that the government was taking significant steps to prevent and curb corrupt practices. Bugti also emphasized the importance of addressing corruption at every level in society.

He further criticized the misuse of **merit-based recruitment** in the education department, where some individuals had obtained **fake degrees** to secure positions. “This is a very unfortunate aspect,” Bugti said, adding that **degree verification** was a lengthy process, but it was being done with the aim of bringing accountability to the system.

**Promoting Cooperation and Support for Youth**
Chief Minister Bugti also announced that the provincial government would hold an **annual NGO conference** to promote mutual cooperation between the government and non-governmental sectors. He assured that good organizations would be encouraged, while unethical practices would be discouraged.

In a significant development for the youth, he mentioned that the **Balochistan government** would provide **interest-free loans** to educated young people who come forward with their projects. “The government cannot provide jobs for everyone, but we will work with organizations like **Akhouat** to offer **interest-free loans** to educated youth for their entrepreneurial ventures,” he said.

**Educational Support and Scholarships**
On the educational front, Bugti highlighted that the **Balochistan government** was offering **Benazir Bhutto Scholarships** to students, including those from **transgender** communities and **minorities**. In addition, the children of **martyrs** in Balochistan will have their **16 years of education funded** by the provincial government.

**Efforts for Financial Transparency and Efficient Use of Resources**
Addressing concerns regarding the allocation of **Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)** funds, Bugti explained that despite **limited resources**, the government tried to allocate the funds wisely. However, he pointed out that some departments failed to fully utilize their allocated budgets. He assured that the government was actively working to ensure that **100% of the PSDP funds** were utilized efficiently, with full transparency, before the end of the fiscal year.

**Commitment to Peace and National Security**
In closing, Bugti reiterated the need for society to collectively **denounce terrorism** and contribute to the creation of a peaceful environment. He emphasized the importance of working together for a peaceful and prosperous Balochistan.

The Chief Minister’s speech was met with positive reactions, as it outlined a clear vision for **government-NGO collaboration**, youth empowerment, and a commitment to eradicating corruption in the province.