Balochistan govt expands KUMAK Scholarship Program to empower PWDs students


Quetta: Director General Social Welfare,1 Balochistan, Mir Saifullah Khitran, has reaffirmed the provincial government’s firm commitment to promoting inclusive education and creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities through sustainable welfare initiatives.



Speaking at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Quetta Campus while presenting a scholarship cheque to disabled student Abdul Saboor under the KUMAK Program, Khitran said the scholarships are not merely financial assistance but an investment in human potential, self-reliance, and the bright future of deserving students.



He emphasized that education is the foundation of empowerment and social inclusion, noting that no society can achieve sustainable development unless every individual, regardless of physical ability, is provided equal opportunities to learn, grow, and excel.



Saifullah Khitran assured that the Social Welfare Department will continue to expand initiatives across Balochistan to support comprehensive education, skill development, and social empowerment for persons with disabilities. He added that the KUMAK Program reflects the department’s vision of building an inclusive society where every citizen is valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to succeed.



Congratulating Abdul Saboor on receiving the scholarship, Khitran expressed confidence that his determination and academic achievements will inspire many other disabled students to pursue higher education with dignity and confidence. He reiterated that the department remains steadfast in its mission to remove barriers to education and ensure that no deserving student is deprived of learning opportunities due to disability or financial constraints.



Saifullah Khitran added that the department will continue to work tirelessly to empower persons with disabilities through education, capacity building, and comprehensive welfare programs, enabling them to play a meaningful role in the socio-economic development of Balochistan.



ADC visits K-Electric Uthal Office


Quetta: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Siraj Baloch visited K-Electric Uthal Office with the aim to provide better service of power to public in the area on Thursday.



On this occasion, he met Manager Uthal Bela, Mr. Nasir Alam, Deputy Manager Mr. Abid Shabbir, and Assistant Manager Technical, Engineer Musharraf Sheikh.



During the meeting, the ADC had a detailed discussion on the overall electricity situation in the city, operational matters, and electricity-related issues.



He reviewed the ongoing operations and discussed various issues related to providing better facilities to the public with the K-Electric team.



In addition, he inquired about the problems being faced by the field teams and assured that the district administration would provide all possible support for the resolution of public service and operational issues.



The visit was held in a very pleasant and professional atmosphere, which reflects the effective communication, mutual cooperation, and shared commitment between the district administration and K-Electric to provide better services to the public.



Step afoot to create awareness among public regarding routine vaccination: DHO Lasbela


Quetta: District Health Officer (DHO) Lasbela Dr, Faridullah Shah Hashmi on Thursday said that measures were taken to create awareness among the public regarding routine vaccination for saving children from diseases in the area.



He said this while chairing a monthly meeting of EPI, in which all the vaccinators of Lasbela participated. The meeting reviewed the monthly performance and issued instructions to the vaccinators to further improve their performance and increase the contact campaign with the citizens and create awareness among the public regarding routine vaccination.



He said that no compromise would be made to those who are negligent and careless, if a complaint is received from any vaccinator, strict action would be taken against the concerned vaccinator.



In the meeting, Deputy DHO Lasbela, Dr. Qamar Ronja appealed to the public to ensure that their children complete the routine vaccination course so that children could be protected from harmful diseases. He said the public should cooperate with the health department’s arriving teams.



Sardar Abdul Rahman Khitran condemns terrorist attacks in Ziarat and Hanna Urak


Quetta: Former provincial minister and Member of the Balochistan Assembly, Sardar Abdul Rahman Khitran, on Thursday strongly condemned the recent terrorist incidents in Ziarat and Hanna Urak, declaring that those who target innocent civilians and law enforcement agencies deserve no leniency.



Abdul Rahman Khitran paid glowing tribute to the police officers martyred in the terrorist assault on a police checkpoint in Ziarat. He said the martyrs sacrificed their lives for the protection of citizens and the establishment of peace, and their courage would always be remembered by the nation.



He also denounced the Hanna Urak attack, stressing that terrorists were enemies of Balochistan’s peace, progress, and prosperity. He asserted that such cowardly acts cannot weaken the resolve of the people.



Offering prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and speedy recovery of the injured, Khitran extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He emphasized that the complete elimination of terrorism requires full cooperation with state institutions, national unity, and indiscriminate action against all anti-peace elements.



Abdul Rahman Khitran concluded that only through collective resolve and decisive measures could lasting peace and stability be ensured in Balochistan.



BITT chairman announces Heroes of Hazara National Civil Award committee members.


Quetta: Chairman of the Balochistan International Think Tank (BITT), Awais Jadoon has officially announced the names of the committee members for the “Heroes of Hazara, National Civil Award” for the year 2026/27.



Awards will be conferred upon individuals excelling across 14 different fields of public service and professional excellence. The prestigious award ceremony is scheduled to take place this year in Haripur. The event will bring together intellectuals and representatives from all walks of life across the Hazara division.



The “Heroes of Hazara” award jointly organized by the Balochistan International Think Tank and the Friends of Universe Society Pakistan, is a series of international civil awards holds a global record for hosting over 30 national and international awards.



The initiative attributes these honors to iconic figures to pay tribute to their sacrifices and introduce their legacies to the world. Notable awards in this series include Quaid-e-Azam Award, Allama Iqbal Award, Nelson Mandela International Civil Award, Atatrk Award, Khomeini Award, Bacha Khan Award, Nisar Osmani Journalist Award, Benazir Bhutto (BB) Shaheed Award and Khan Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai Award.



LOCS to unveil AI-powered STEAM curriculum, digital classrooms and IT skills to transform education in Quetta


Quetta: In a landmark initiative to modernize education across Balochistan, Zahid Jan Mandokhail, CEO of Leaders’ Odyssey School and College (LOCS), has unveiled an ambitious reform plan aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology and STEAM-based learning in the institutions.



Zahid Jan Mandokhail announced that the new LOCS campus on Airport Road will become operational next year, debuting with a pilot project in Quetta that introduces full-scale digital infrastructure to classrooms, said a news release.



The AI-powered STEAM curriculum is designed to transform education and equip Balochistan’s youth with essential skills for the modern world.



He explained that a custom-built software platform will deliver weekly modules across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), totaling 36 unique programs annually. ‘These modules are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication among students,’ Mandokhail said.



Beyond academics, the initiative incorporates vocational training in robotics, artificial intelligence, and aeronautics, ensuring students acquire practical, marketable skills.



In the new campus, Educators will undergo extensive training in digital tools and modern pedagogical methods to support long-term success. The program also introduces advanced subjects such as artificial intelligence, robotics, climate change studies, and digital innovation, preparing teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.



‘This is not just a project and it’s a movement for future-ready education. Quetta is just the beginning,’ Mandokhail emphasized, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers in shaping confident, capable leaders.



By fostering innovation, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills, the LOCS initiative aims to empower a new generation of leaders and changemakers, setting a bold new standard for education reform in the province.