Quetta, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti met with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by Assistant Secretary General Kani Vigna Raja to discuss ongoing and proposed future projects in Balochistan. The meeting focused on various cooperation areas, particularly climate change, alternative energy sources, and rehabilitation plans for flood-affected areas.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the serious challenges Balochistan faces due to climate change, emphasizing that the provincial government and its subordinate institutions are working on comprehensive policies to address these issues. He noted that rehabilitation plans and future strategies for flood-affected areas aim to minimize potential damage from climate change, with a focus on future planning considering changing climate conditions.

Bugti informed the UNDP delegation about the province’s efforts to provide electricity to remote areas through solar energy instead of complex and costly national grid planning. Several health centers and educational institutions in Balochistan have already transitioned to solarization, with plans to expand alternative energy projects with UNDP’s support.

The Chief Minister expressed Balochistan’s potential for global investment, stating that the province is an ideal location for investment. Under a one-window operation, local and national investors would receive all necessary facilities to promote investment. He indicated a desire to collaborate with UNDP on alternative energy projects and other initiatives.

UNDP’s Assistant Secretary General Kani Vigna Raja assured all possible cooperation, informing Chief Minister Bugti about a district development plan involving 20 districts across Pakistan, 10 of which are in Balochistan. The plan encompasses environmental change, education, health, resettlement of flood victims, alternative energy, rule of law, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The meeting was attended by additional key stakeholders, including Provincial Government Spokesperson Shahid Rand, Additional Chief Secretary Development and Planning Abdul Saboor Kakar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Imran Zirkoon, senior officers from the Balochistan government, and other UNDP representatives.