Islamabad: Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, convened with a youth delegation led by the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) in Islamabad. The meeting focused on social protection and poverty alleviation, aiming to create opportunities for the youth and underprivileged communities in Balochistan.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting was held under the vision of “A Prosperous Balochistan, A Strong Pakistan.” The Federal Government is committed to ensuring inclusive development, economic empowerment, and equal opportunities for the people of Balochistan. The Ministry highlighted several initiatives implemented through its departments and partner institutions targeting poverty reduction and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities.
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) has established four Sweet Homes in Quetta, Turbat, Zhob, and Kharan to support orphaned children. Additionally, 22 Women Empowerment Centres are offering vocational training to nearly 7,000 women, and 14 Schools for the Rehabilitation of Child Labour are providing educational opportunities to over 1,700 children. Over the past decade, PBM has invested Rs. 5.10 billion in Balochistan, with recent expenditures amounting to Rs. 2.10 billion.
The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has played a role in enhancing living conditions in underdeveloped areas through vocational training, clean drinking water initiatives, water filtration plants, solar energy installations, and community infrastructure projects. Under the current government, 18 projects have been executed in 22 districts, impacting approximately 5 million people, with women comprising 49 percent of this demographic.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provides a social safety net, distributing Rs. 114.859 billion in Balochistan since 2008. The programme enrolls over 471,000 households, with more than 509,000 beneficiaries in Benazir Kafaalat, over 655,000 children in Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, and nearly 154,000 beneficiaries in Benazir Nashonuma. To aid access, 18 of BISP’s 25 Mobile Registration Vehicles operate in Balochistan, supported by 48 field and tehsil offices.
Efforts in poverty graduation and economic empowerment include the National Poverty Graduation Programme (NPGP), assisting 370,567 households in 21 districts. Additionally, the Poverty Graduation and Economic Empowerment Programme (PGEP), backed by $134.2 million from the Islamic Development Bank, includes 12 Balochistan districts in its national scope, fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance.
The Federal Minister emphasized engaging youth as partners in development, recognizing Balochistan’s human and economic potential. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening social protection, promoting skill development, and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
The Minister acknowledged BRSP’s role in community mobilization and youth engagement, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts between federal institutions, development partners, and local communities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to inclusive development and empowering marginalized segments, contributing to a prosperous and economically resilient Balochistan.