Balochistan Government Launches Benazir Kisan Card for Farmers’ Welfare
QuettaضThe government of **Balochistan** has officially launched the **Benazir Kisan Card** to support the welfare of farmers in the province. The card was unveiled by **Chief Minister Mir Sardar Sardar Surrfraz Bugti** during a ceremony marking the **martyrdom anniversary of Benazir Bhutto**.
In his address, Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that the province is following the vision of **Shaheed Benazir Bhutto** to uplift the common man and ensure collective welfare. For the first time in Balochistan’s history, the government has introduced the Benazir Kisan Card, which is aimed at directly supporting **poor farmers** and improving their economic conditions, enabling them to escape poverty.
### Digitalization of the Card System for Transparency
Chief Minister Bugti explained that in order to ensure transparency and prevent intermediaries from exploiting the system, the **Kisan Card** will be **digitized**. This initiative is designed to ensure that all benefits reach the **poor farmers** directly, without any interference from middlemen.
### Empowering Women and Youth
In line with **Benazir Bhutto’s** mission, the Balochistan government is also empowering women and providing them with opportunities for development. As part of this initiative, **five female deputy commissioners** have been appointed in Balochistan’s districts, and they have shown **outstanding performance** in their roles.
Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted a new program that provides **pink scooters** to **college and secondary school girls** to help them commute more easily. This is seen as a significant development in supporting the education of girls in the province.
Under the **Youth Skills Development Program**, the government is training **30,000 young people** in various skills, enabling them to seek employment abroad. These youth will not only support their families but will also send foreign remittances, contributing to the country’s economy.
### Interest-Free Loans for Business Startups
In partnership with **Akhuwat Foundation**, the Balochistan government has also launched a program to provide **interest-free loans** to young entrepreneurs. Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that former President **Asif Ali Zardari**, **Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari**, and **Faryal Talpur** regularly review public welfare initiatives in Balochistan, demonstrating their deep connection and commitment to the people of the province.
### Addressing Post-Flood Rehabilitation
Reflecting on the devastating **2022 floods**, which severely impacted **Naseerabad Division** and left thousands homeless, Chief Minister Bugti expressed his concern over the slow pace of recovery due to the **Federal Steering Committee’s delays**. He assured the public that, following the model of **Sindh province**, the government aims to **rebuild homes** for flood victims in the coming months.
A new committee under the leadership of **Raja Pervaiz Ashraf** has been formed to facilitate the **rapid release of federal funds** for reconstruction. Chief Minister Bugti expressed confidence that within the next six months, the government would rebuild homes for flood victims and help them resettle.
### Party Workers’ Support and Welfare
Chief Minister Bugti also acknowledged the role of the party’s workers, who have remained steadfast during difficult times. He reassured them that the doors of **Chief Minister House** will always be open for party workers. The government will provide **honorable employment** for party members and ensure job opportunities across all districts.
He reiterated that, following the example set by **Benazir Bhutto**, **Asif Ali Zardari**, and **Bilawal Bhutto Zardari**, the government will continue to provide employment opportunities to the workers, ensuring their welfare and dignity.
### Condolences for Workers’ Tragic Death
Lastly, Chief Minister Bugti expressed his heartfelt condolences for the two **party workers** who tragically lost their lives in a **traffic accident** while traveling to attend the **Benazir Bhutto anniversary ceremony** in **Khuzdar**. He prayed for the souls of the deceased and offered his deepest sympathies to the grieving families. The Balochistan government has pledged to provide support for the families of the martyrs.
The launch of the **Benazir Kisan Card** marks a significant step in improving the lives of farmers in Balochistan, and the government’s broader initiatives aim to empower women, youth, and party workers, while addressing critical post-flood rehabilitation needs in the province.
