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QUETTA, Jan 14 (APP):Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has emphasized that sustained investment in human development is the only guarantee of a prosperous and stable future for the province.
The Chief Minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led by Country Representative Luay Shabaneh, held in Quetta on Wednesday.
Discussions focused on key population-related challenges facing Balochistan, maternal and child health, youth and women’s welfare and promotion of data-driven policy making.
The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Population Agha Umar Khan Ahmedzai, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Population Zafar Khan Baloch, Principal Secretary to the CM Babar Khan, and Head of UNFPA Quetta Office Saadia Ata.
Both sides agreed to establish a coordinated provincial task force on population issues. The task force will ensure inter-departmental coordination and oversee implementation of policies related to population management, health, and education
CM Bugti stressed that policy making must be aligned with modern requirements through advocacy and a robust data governance framework, ensuring that all decisions are based on credible evidence.
He reiterated that education and health remain top priorities of the provincial government, noting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without meaningful progress in these sectors.
The Chief Minister highlighted that institutional reforms are essential to improve maternal and child health indicators.
The welfare of youth and women must be treated as the cornerstone of Balochistan’s social and economic development.
“Investment in human development is the true guarantee of Balochistan’s bright future,” he said.
UNFPA Country Representative Luay Shabaneh praised the Balochistan government’s policy priorities and reform initiatives. He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to strengthening support for population, health, and human development projects in the province, assuring continued close collaboration to achieve shared development goals.