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QUETTA, Nov 06 (APP):Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the province’s first-ever School Transport Program on Thursday at Government Girls College Jinnah Town, Quetta, marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing education reforms.
The CM announced a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children, attributing the progress to sustained and merit-based interventions in the education sector.
CM Bugti personally handed over keys of newly procured school buses to the heads of various institutions, accompanied by members of the provincial assembly and senior officials.
CM Bugti reaffirmed his government’s dedication to meritocracy and efficient service delivery, stating that these principles are essential to restoring public trust, especially among the youth.
“We promised the public that no highway in Balochistan would be closed in the name of protest, and today, that promise has been fulfilled. Now, we promise a merit-based system where every deserving individual receives their due,” Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said.
He described the launch of the school transport initiative as a dream realized, particularly in support of female education.
The Chief Minister outlined key achievements resulting from the province’s education reforms, including 14,000 teachers hired on a merit-based contractual basis, 3,200 non-functional schools reactivated.
He also revealed that more than 94,000 children were newly enrolled in schools and a 60% increase in college attendance.
Sarfraz Bugti said that 32000 students are enrolled in 600 community schools, now being expanded with two-room additions.
These efforts have led to a notable decline in the number of out-of-school children across Balochistan, he added.
CM Bugti announced an annual budget of Rs 79 million for the School Transport Program, ensuring its continuity and expansion. He directed that all buses be painted yellow, in line with international standards, to clearly identify them as educational vehicles.
Two buses were specifically allocated to the Government Girls School in Jinnah Town, further emphasizing the government’s focus on supporting girls’ education.
Looking ahead, CM Bugti announced plans to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the education sector, replicating its successful application in healthcare.
“A successful example of the PPP model exists in Balida, where an educational institution is spreading the light of knowledge,” CM Bugti said.
He expressed confidence that all remaining closed schools in the province would be reopened after the winter break, ensuring universal access to education.
The event was attended by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Education Secretary Isfandyar Khan Kakar, and other senior officials.