QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has said that 60% of Pakistan’s population consists of youth, who are the bright future of the country. On the occasion of International Youth Day, the CM highlighted that Balochistan has formulated its first-ever Youth Policy, which has been incorporated into the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to create more opportunities for youth development.
He acknowledged the unique challenges young people face today, calling it an era where distinguishing between truth and falsehood is essential. He urged youth to engage in research, especially on social media narratives, to promote truth as a moral, religious, tribal, and social responsibility.
Reaffirming his commitment to merit, CM Bugti said, “From day one, I vowed that no job would be sold – and I’ve kept that promise.” He noted that the Education Department has implemented a merit-based recruitment formula and emphasized transparency.
The CM also introduced the province’s first Youth Skills Development Programme, despite criticism from certain quarters. He addressed the negativity by stating that those unwilling to go abroad themselves are misleading others. “Our youth should highlight the positive aspects of the programme and contribute to their families’ well-being and national economic growth through remittances,” he said.
CM Bugti announced interest-free loans and internship opportunities for students, prioritizing youth from southern border areas to divert them from illegal smuggling toward respectable employment. “The future of our youth doesn’t lie in smuggling vehicles like Zambad, but in legal trade, growth, and stability,” he remarked.
Encouraging young entrepreneurs, he invited them to present business plans, assuring that the government, in collaboration with Akhuwat and BRSP, will provide financial support. “We aim to make our youth economically stable and part of the decision-making process,” he added.
Calling despair a form of disbelief, CM Bugti urged youth never to lose hope. He acknowledged a gap between the state and youth caused by past governance failures, which must be bridged through dialogue.
He appealed to Baloch youth to reflect on how they are being misled into a futile conflict. “Pakistan is home to a strong and organized military. With such an institution, the country cannot be broken,” he said. He added that conflict only leads to bloodshed, disruption of education and healthcare, and must be avoided.
“Underdevelopment is not unique to Balochistan or Pakistan; it’s a global issue due to unequal growth. Through better governance, merit, and transparency, we can resolve our challenges,” he emphasized.
The Chief Minister clarified that the government’s role is not to create jobs in the public sector but to enable opportunities and provide guidance for dignified employment.
Addressing the youth of Balochistan, CM Bugti said, “You are the most valuable asset of your province, your families, and your nation. Prepare yourselves for the challenges of the modern world. Love for the State of Pakistan is part of faith — step forward and contribute actively to the country’s development.”
