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.