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QUETTA, Aug 28 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday underscored the importance of merit, good governance, youth empowerment and open dialogue in order to bridge the gap between the state and its youth.
Speaking at a matching grants cheques distribution ceremony organized the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and the ITC, with support from the European Union, Sarfraz Bugti acknowledged public grievances against the government but clarified that “the state has not committed any sin.”
“While people may have complaints and grievances against the government, the state itself is not at fault,” he added.
Bugti highlighted the daunting task of development of Balochistan, the largest province by area, comprising 43 percent of the country’s landmass on a modest development budget of Rs 200 billion for the fiscal year.
He emphasized that sustained progress hinges on support from international partners and the federal government.
The Chief Minister announced the launch of Balochistan’s first-ever Climate and Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund, aimed at promoting women’s financial independence and environmentally sustainable initiatives.
Sarfraz Bugti acknowledged that years of corruption and mismanagement had alienated the youth, but the incumbent is committed to rebuilding public trust. He added that a new youth policy has been introduced to integrate young people into the economic mainstream, with a focus on jobs creation and entrepreneurship.
The chief minister revealed that as many as Rs 16 billion interest-free loan program has been earmarked for youth, to be implemented in collaboration with the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP).
Bugti added that as revenues grow from international investments in projects like Reko Diq and Saindak, more resources will be directed toward youth development.
He said that the government is working to upgrade infrastructure in divisional headquarters. Bugti also warned against inflated land valuations under the guise of roads expansion, vowing to end such exploitative practices.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PPAF, Nadir Gul Barech highlighted the success of the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, noting that each grant and loan empowers small entrepreneurs, generates employment, and adds value to local products. He emphasized that small businesses, when supported, can transform entire communities.
Addressing the ceremony, Nadir Gul Barech, CEO PPAF said “Every grant and loan facilitated under GRASP translates into new opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs. These enterprises are creating jobs, adding value to local produce and proving that with the right support, small businesses can transform entire communities. The project has opened doors for rural SMEs, creating livelihood opportunities, enhancing exports and strengthening Balochistan’s economy.”
Chief of Sector and Enterprise Competence at the ITC, Robert Skidmore praised GRASP for connecting Balochistan’s SMEs and farmers to national and global markets. He said the initiative has significantly boosted incomes and created thousands of jobs, proving that private-sector partnerships can drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti visited business stalls set up by young entrepreneurs and awarding grants to selected business owners, reinforcing the government’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment.
The Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) Project, a six-year worth of USD 55 million initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with UNFAO, SMEDA, and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), aims to reduce poverty by strengthening SMEs in the horticulture and livestock value chains across 22 districts of Balochistan and Sindh.
As part of this initiative, the event on Strengthening SMEs through Inclusive Access to Finance is designed to address the financial barriers faced by SMEs, featuring the distribution of Matching Grant cheques worth Rs 172.5 million and an exhibition showcasing agri-businesses.