In a renewed push to bridge the development gap in Balochistan, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (PASS) Syed Imran Ahmed Shah announced additional scholarships for students of Balochistan University, Girls College Pishin, and Quetta. The initiative, he said, is part of the federal government’s broader commitment to uplift education standards and ensure equitable opportunities for youth in the province.
Addressing a seminar on “Sustainable Environment for Women Entrepreneurs,” Shah emphasized the government’s vision of a peaceful, progressive Pakistan free from extremism and violence. “We must all contribute sincerely to the progress of Pakistan and Balochistan,” he urged.
The event drew high-profile attendees including Federal Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, Balochistan Assembly Speaker Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, and Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Durrani, among others.
Highlighting his personal dedication, Shah said, “I am committed to fulfilling Quaid-e-Azam’s vision—a prosperous Balochistan and a thriving Pakistan. I would even sacrifice my life for this cause.” He further asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear capability and robust armed forces ensure regional deterrence, warning that “India’s bullying will no longer be tolerated.”
Citing Hazrat Imam Ghazali, he stressed the importance of knowledge and sincerity: “Without knowledge, the living are like the dead; without action, knowledge is wasted. True success comes only with sincerity.”
Provincial Education Minister Raheela Durrani welcomed the federal team’s visit as a step in the right direction. She credited Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s administration for making visible strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure despite resource and security challenges. “We remain committed to uplifting Balochistan,” she said.
The seminar also emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, underlining the role of gender inclusion in sustainable economic growth.
While the federal government’s announcements were met with applause, some observers noted that Balochistan has heard similar promises in the past with limited follow-through. Scholarships, though welcome, are just one part of the province’s complex educational and socio-economic puzzle. For meaningful change, consistent implementation and transparent monitoring will be key—not just ceremonial visits and rhetorical commitments.
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The challenge, critics say, lies not in making grand declarations but in translating them into measurable, lasting progress for Balochistan’s underserved population.