ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP):Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi on Monday called for results-based and long-term partnerships to strengthen inclusive and resilient social services in Balochistan, while addressing a high-level policy consultation titled “Towards Inclusive and Resilient Social Services in Balochistan”, organised by the Government of Balochistan with technical support from UNICEF here in Islamabad.
Minister Buledi outlined a shift from project-based interventions to systems-oriented, outcome-focused reforms aimed at improving health, education, nutrition and social protection across the province.
Addressing representatives of development partners, federal and provincial officials and other stakeholders, the minister said Balochistan stood at a critical juncture in redefining its social development pathway, stressing that the government’s approach is firmly grounded in evidence, reform and strong partnerships. Improving human development outcomes, he added, was a shared responsibility.
Highlighting progress achieved over the past decade, he cited national surveys and development studies showing a significant decline in child mortality.
Infant mortality has fallen to around 66 per 1,000 live births, while under-five mortality has declined to 78 per 1,000 live births, reflecting the impact of targeted investments in health systems and child welfare.
On education, the minister noted a gradual improvement in access, with literacy rates rising to about 42 per cent. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges in learning outcomes and transitions to secondary education, underscoring the need for sustained reforms to improve quality and retention.
He also pointed to a decline in multidimensional poverty as a result of continued social sector investment, while cautioning that Balochistan still faces the highest levels of deprivation nationally, highlighting the urgency of accelerating progress through stronger service delivery systems and integrated policy interventions.
While significant investments have been made in expanding infrastructure, including education support programmes, health system strengthening and water supply initiatives, he said key indicators such as female literacy, nutrition outcomes and service quality remained areas of concern.
He added that the next phase of reform would prioritise human capital development, service quality and resilient delivery systems.
Outlining the province’s strategic direction, the minister said the government is transitioning from a project-centric approach to a systems-oriented and outcome-focused model.
Key priorities include integrating health, nutrition, education and social protection services, leveraging data and digital tools for improved planning and accountability, and aligning provincial investments with the Sustainable Development Goals and climate resilience principles.
He emphasised the importance of deeper engagement with development institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, KfW, World Food Programme and the United Nations Development Programme, saying the province sought strategic, programmatic partnerships delivering measurable outcomes rather than isolated projects.
Identifying priority areas for collaboration, he highlighted the need to improve learning outcomes, strengthen frontline health and nutrition services, expand climate-responsive social protection systems, invest in women and girls as drivers of human development, and enhance monitoring and data systems to ensure accountability.
In conclusion, he reaffirmed the Government of Balochistan’s commitment to building inclusive, resilient and accountable social systems, inviting development partners to align with the province’s vision for long-term, results-based cooperation that translates every investment into tangible improvements in the lives of Balochistan’s people.