Bugti opens pink scooty scheme in Balochistan

QUETTA: The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, on Friday inaugurated a pink scooty scheme aimed at empowering female students in the province.

During the launch, he announced that every talented and position-holding female student in Balochistan would be awarded a pink scooty. The initiative will also benefit teachers, students, and employed women.

Speaking at the ceremony, where 50 female students from Government Girls Post Graduate Degree College, Quetta, received pink scooties, the chief minister highlighted the historical significance of the initiative. “For the first time in the province’s history, we are introducing a pink scooty scheme for female students,” he said.

He emphasised inclusivity, ensuring that no female student would be excluded. “We want to see empowered women in Balochistan. When mothers, sisters, and daughters are educated and contribute to society’s progress, our community thrives,” he stated.

He said that Balochistan’s progress in women’s empowerment is evident, with five female deputy commissioners outperforming their 30 male counterparts.

The chief minister also addressed organised conspiracies against Pakistan, warning about the spread of negative narratives targeting youth through social media and artificial intelligence.

He urged young people to approach such information critically and focus on facts. Highlighting regional disparities in development, he called for collective efforts to bridge the gaps.

Bugti also encouraged youth to report instances of corruption, urging them to record and expose bribery attempts to hold perpetrators accountable.

After the ceremony, the chief minister conducted a lucky draw to select 50 students for the scheme. Forty-eight students received their scooties on the spot, while the remaining two will receive theirs next week.

The ceremony was attended by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hamid Khan Durani, Provincial Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umarani, Provincial Communications and Construction Minister Mir Saleem Khan Khoso, Chief Secretary of Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal of Government Girls Post Graduate Degree College Professor Sadia Farooqi, and other officials.