Month: July 2026

Quetta: Under the Balochistan government’s Resilience, Integration and Socio-Economic Empowerment (RISE) Programme, Income Generating Grants (IGGs) were distributed among 60 deserving beneficiaries from the districts of Kharan, Washuk and Panjgur.

The initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to vulnerable households, reduce poverty, and enable them to become economically self-reliant, said a news release.

The distribution ceremony was attended by the Secretary Industries and Commerce, Government of Balochistan, Muhammad Khalid Sarparah, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Munir Ahmed Soomro-DC Kharan, Abdul Majeed Sarprah-DC Washuk, Jahanzaib Balochi-DC Panjgur, Raja Athar Abbas-Additional Secretary Staff to Chief Secretary, officials from various government departments, representatives of civil society organizations, media personnel, and members of different segments of society.

During the ceremony, a wide range of productive assets were distributed among 60 deservin
g households, including tailoring and embroidery equipment, beautician kits, domestic flour mills (atta chakkis), motorcycle repair toolkits, and other small business-related assets. These assets will enable beneficiaries to establish sustainable sources of income and improve the livelihoods of their families.

Addressing the participants, Secretary Industries and Commerce, Government of Balochistan, Mr. Muhammad Khalid Sarparah, stated that the Government of Balochistan is taking practical steps to promote economic prosperity and accelerate development in underserved areas. He said that the RISE Programme is an important initiative through which deserving families are being provided with sustainable livelihood opportunities instead of one-time financial assistance, enabling them to stand on their own feet. He further emphasized that the Government is committed to strengthening the economic resilience of youth, women, and low-income households, adding that self-reliance is the foundation of sustainable develo
pment.

On the occasion, Dr. Tahir Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer of BRSP, highlighted that, with the support of the Government of Balochistan, RISE Programme is being implemented effectively across various districts of the province to promote economic growth, employment generation, social cohesion, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. He noted that beneficiaries are selected through a transparent and merit-based process to ensure that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.

He further shared that the programme aims to economically empower more than 80,000 households through the provision of productive assets, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, support for Small and Medium Enterprises, construction of productive economic infrastructure and facilitation of youth in accessing affordable financing. He added that similar asset distribution ceremonies are being organized across districts in collaboration with the respective Deputy Commissioners’ Offices.

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reached Ziarat on Tuesday to review the law and order situation in the affected areas of Mangi Dam and Ziarat after the recent terrorist incident.

He also expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs, visited the injured and showed solidarity with the security forces.

The chief minister was briefed in the meeting by the Inspector General (IG) Police on the Mangi Dam incident and the overall law and order situation in Ziarat.

Provincial Home Minister Mir Zia Langov, members of the Provincial Assembly, senior civil and military officials and local administrative officers attended the meeting.

The IG Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan gave a detailed briefing on the Mangi Dam incident, the ongoing operation against terrorists, the security situation and the future strategy.

The CM directed that the ongoing operation against terrorists and their facilitators should be taken to its logical conclusion at all costs, that no opportunity would be given to the anti-state elements to regroup and that all law enforcement agencies should continue their operations in a more effective, swift and decisive manner with mutual coordination.

Speaking during his departure for Ziarat, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that Balochistan has entered a decisive phase of the war against terrorism saying that the regime would not back down even a single step from its constitutional and national responsibilities and the people could not be left alone under any circumstances.

The chief minister stated that the situation is certainly challenging, but the government’s resolve is stronger than ever adding that he has come to the shrine not only on an official visit but also to share the grief of the families of the martyrs, console the injured and give a message to his police, Levies, Frontier Corps and other security forces that the government stands by them on every front.

Sarfraz Bugti said that the people of Balochistan have rejected terrorism and today the entire nation is united against terrorists.

He paid great tribute to the police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the shrine and said that these brave sons fought the enemy with unparalleled courage, perseverance and professionalism till their last breath, their sacrifices are the nation’s asset and their blood would never go in vain.

The chief minister said that the Balochistan government has further improved the martyrs package and the state would take full responsibility for the education, maintenance, welfare and bright future of the children of the martyrs.

He said that the incumbent regime would never leave the families of the martyrs alone and their children could not be allowed to feel that they are deprived of the patronage of the state.

In response to a question regarding his security, the CM said that when his soldiers are facing terrorists without bulletproof vehicles despite the limited availability of resources, his conscience would not allow him to travel in a bulletproof vehicle.

He said that life and death are in the hands of Allah Almighty and with this belief, he is visiting operational areas without a bulletproof vehicle to give a message to his soldiers that he is equal partners in their sacrifices, hardships and war.

The CM appealed to the political leadership, social classes and the public to rise above their differences and support the state, government and security agencies on a national issue like terrorism.

He said that instead of doing politics over dead bodies, demonstrating national unity is the greatest need of the hour because this war against terrorism is not just a war of the government or security forces but of the entire nation.

Speaking at a briefing on law and order in Ziarat, the chief minister made it clear that indiscriminate and decisive actions would continue against Fitna-ul-Khawrij, Fitna-ul-Hindustan and all their facilitators.

He directed that the ongoing operations in Zarghun, Mangi Dam and other sensitive areas should be made more effective, the writ of the state should be upheld at all costs and the terrorists would not be given any opportunity to regroup.

The chief minister reiterated his resolve that the Balochistan government, along with the Balochistan Police, Levies, Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies, would continue its operations with full force and continuity until the complete eradication of terrorism, protection of lives and property of the people and establishment of lasting peace in the province.

Quetta: Hot and dry weather is expected in majority of districts, while rain-wind thunderstorms are likely in Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhail, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Quetta, Mastung, Ziarat, and Harnai.

The Regional Meteorological Center has weather forecast, highlighting extreme heat conditions across Balochistan, with Sibi recording the highest temperature at 48°C. Dalbandin, Nokkundi, and Usta Muhammad followed closely at 46.5°C, while Quetta, Khuzdar, Barkhan, and Zhob registered 40°C. Gwadar remained relatively cooler at 34°C, marking the lowest maximum temperature in the province.

According to the forecast, a seasonal low lies over Balochistan with continental air mass dominating most regions.

Very hot conditions will prevail in Sibi, Usta Muhammad, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Naseerabad, Nokkundi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Dalbandin, Kharan, and Noshki.

Strong gusty winds accompanied by sand and dust storms are expected in Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Noshki, Panjgur, Kech, Chaman, Pishin, Quetta, Qillah Abdullah, Mastung, Kalat, Surab, Khuzdar, and along the coastal belt during the afternoon and evening hours.

Coastal districts including Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani, and Ormara may experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, offering some relief from the heat.

The authority has advised citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during peak heat hours, and stay updated with official weather alerts. Farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities in line with the forecast, while district administrations have been directed to ensure preparedness for potential thunderstorms and strong winds.

Quetta: Security forces in Balochistan have successfully completed a clearance operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij in Ziarat district, killing 15 militants. The operation was jointly conducted by Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Shahid Rind, Aide to the Chief Minister on Political and Media Affairs, confirmed the success of the operation, saying that the terrorists paid a heavy price for attempting to disrupt peace in the province. ‘The state is responding with full force, and the nefarious designs of terrorists have been crushed,’ he said.

Shahid Rind emphasized that Balochistan will not serve as a safe haven for terrorists. He assured that every attack will be met with a decisive response, and intelligence-based operations will continue with greater effectiveness to ensure lasting peace. ‘Elements challenging the writ of the state will be brought to justice. The war against terrorism is being pursued with full strength,’ he added.

Paying tribute to the police officers and personnel martyred in the Ziarat attack, Shahid Rind said their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their blood will be avenged. He reaffirmed that the government of Balochistan salutes the courage of the martyrs and remains committed to supporting their families.

He concluded by stressing that there will be no compromise on the province’s peace, stability, and the protection of its citizens. ‘The complete eradication of terrorism is the government’s top priority,’ Rind declared.

Quetta: Balochistan Highway police foiled attempt of looting a passenger bus on National Highway NA-27 late night.

According to details, at around 1: 00 am last night, 10 to 15 unknown armed men stopped a passenger coach at the Shuara Faqir location on National Highway NA-27.

On information, a patrol team of Balochistan Highway Police immediately reached the spot when the armed robbers opened fire. As result the accused fled towards the west during exchange of fire between the police and the bandits.

The police said that due to timely action, the passengers and the coach were kept safe, while a search operation was also conducted in the area after the incident.

Further legal proceedings of the incident were underway at Haji Shahr Police Station, Kachhi District, while traffic on National Highway NA-27 was flowing normally.