Quetta:Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said that providing quality education, employment opportunities and skills development to young people remains among the government’s top priorities to enable them to contribute effectively to the country’s development and prosperity.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony organised by the Progressive Climate Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Muslim League-N Youth Wing in Quetta on Saturday.
The event was attended by Provincial Minister Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Member of the National Assembly Akhtar Bibi, Member of the Provincial Assembly Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Balochistan Focal Person Sajjad Raisani, and other political and social figures.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mandokhail said Pakistan had provided its citizens with dignity and opportunities, adding that the government was moving forward in accordance with the vision and mission of former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while focusing on public welfare and addressing the problems faced by the people of Balochistan.
He described youth as a nation’s most valuable asset and the guarantors of a brighter future, stressing the need to create an enabling environment where young people can develop their skills, receive practical training and realise their full potential.
The governor said he had also raised the issue of better educational and employment opportunities for youth at the United Nations Headquarters, expressing hope that ongoing efforts would yield positive results and open new avenues of progress for the young people of Balochistan.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at empowering students, Mandokhail thanked Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan for increasing Balochistan’s laptop quota from 6 per cent to 18 per cent, calling it a significant step toward educational advancement.
He said access to modern technology and digital facilities would help students excel academically, enhance their capabilities and secure new employment opportunities in an increasingly competitive job market.
The governor emphasised the importance of proper guidance and positive engagement of young people, stating that investing in the education, training and character-building of the youth was essential for Pakistan’s long-term development and stability.
Referring to the performance of public sector universities in Balochistan, Mandokhail said their rankings had doubled as a result of sustained efforts, effective monitoring and measures taken to improve educational standards.
He pledged to continue initiatives aimed at enhancing academic quality, promoting research activities and equipping students with education aligned with modern requirements.
He also praised the efforts of Provincial Minister Mir Asim Kurd Gello, MNA Akhtar Bibi, MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Focal Person Sajjad Raisani, Mir Ataullah Ahmadzai, Younas Baloch, Chaudhry Shabbir, and Abdul Wahab Atal Achakzai for their role in youth mobilisation and organisational activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Mir Asim Kurd Gello said that young people play a decisive role in every field and at every level of society, adding that the future belongs to the youth, who would contribute to the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Balochistan through dedication and hard work.
MNA Akhtar Bibi described youth as the most precious asset of any nation, while MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail reaffirmed his commitment to providing positive guidance and opportunities for young people so that their hidden talents could be harnessed in the best interest of the country and society.