Quetta: The World Bank’s Director for Pakistan, Naji bin Hussain, led a delegation to meet with Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, to review progress on various developmental initiatives in the province including mining, fisheries, agriculture, and flood recovery efforts.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, during the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti detailed the advancements in projects aimed at rehabilitating critical sectors and addressing climate change challenges. He emphasized the significant impact of the World Bank’s long-term programs and discussed the logistical hurdles in delivering these projects effectively. Bugti also mentioned ongoing considerations for soft loans to support infrastructure and development in Balochistan’s remote areas.

A major concern highlighted by the Chief Minister was the issue of education accessibility, with 1.3 million children out of school in the province due to the vast distances between schools and communities. He outlined the government’s efforts to improve school access and the provision of meals to students to enhance attendance and learning outcomes.

The World Bank delegation praised the Chief Minister’s commitment to good governance and his efforts to foster investment in various sectors across Balochistan. They expressed a strong willingness to support both international and national investment endeavors in the region, aiming to bolster sustainable development and economic growth.