QUETTA, Jul 23 (APP): Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, admitting the decade-long deprivations of Balochistan, reiterated incumbent government’s resolve to heal the wounds of the country’s largest province and bring economic stability. He expressed confidence that Balochistan will soon become Pakistan’s most developed province and will serve as a role model for the world through unity and cooperation.
He was addressing a cheque distribution ceremony for farmers and SMEs organized by the EU funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Program here Tuesday.
The Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Program emphasized the role of youth and small businesses in economic development. He said, “Uplift of Balochistan is the development of the country. The federal government is committed to bring economic revolution in Balochistan, and the day is not far when Balochistan will serve as a role model for the world through unity and cooperation”.
He praised the concrete steps taken by PPAF in reducing poverty and enhancing economic activities in Balochistan, noting that while no foreign investment came to Pakistan from 2017 to 2024, this trend has now reversed thanks to the efforts of the PML-N led government.
He asserted that those opposing Pakistan’s progress are its enemies, and Balochistan’s proud youth will respond to these adversarial forces through their development.
Rana Mashhood said despite being considered Pakistan’s most backward province, the youth of Balochistan have a distinct enthusiasm for advancement, wishing to see their region and province developed compared to other provinces.
Stressing the need for unity and cohesion, he urged thinking like Pakistanis and healing Balochistan’s wounds. He announced that the federal government would organize an international expo in Islamabad to improve the economic condition of Balochistan’s people by exporting its dates, grapes, and other products to global markets.
PPAF CEO Nader Gul Baraich on the occasion shed light on the efforts of PPAF to reduce poverty in Pakistan’s underdeveloped and impoverished districts by providing skills and loans to create employment opportunities. “The tireless collaboration of the EU funded GRASP project is bringing an economic revolution by enhancing the capacity of farmers and people in the agriculture and livestock sectors and providing grants. Thousands of people are receiving business opportunities, and farmers and small business owners are being trained for better marketing and packaging of their products”, he remarked.
The PPAF is bridging the gap between the public, especially farmers, and banks, having engaged with 24 banks in this regard, he said and added, the business community plays a vital role in improving Pakistan’s economy, and providing business opportunities to people in this connection is essential.
Jehanzaib Khan of GRASP while highlighting the project’s goal said “ The core objective of the project is to lift the underprivileged segments of society above the poverty line through economic activities. He noted that the federal and provincial governments, EU, and PPAF were collaborating with 42,000 SMEs, with 169 farmers receiving grants ranging from 2.5 million to 30 million rupees and the next phase would see 210 farmers receiving grants. “Under the GRASP project, Jehanzaib said as many as 700 provincial government officers and staff, and 1500 farmers have been trained for business opportunities, with 30 farmers participating in international expos with their products. Twelve policies have been submitted for international market access for Balochistan’s dates, grapes, and livestock, he maintained.
The event marked a significant milestone in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Balochistan, as 14 SMEs received their cheques. In its third cycle, GRASP is giving matching grants to 39 SMEs amounting more than PKR 165 million.
A highlight of the event was the participation of seven SMEs, who displayed their innovative products and services at dedicated stalls, creating a vibrant marketplace.
Many SME representatives took the stage to share their experiences and expectations from the GRASP program. Their testimonies highlighted the transformative impact of the matching grants, enabling them to expand operations, enhance product quality, and contribute to the local economy.