PBM MD, minister for poverty alleviation review Balochistan initiatives

Islamabad:Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) Senator Captain (r) Shaheen Khalid Butt called on Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, to discuss and review the government's ongoing and upcoming initiatives in Balochistan, as per the Prime Minister’s special instructions to prioritize development efforts in the province.

During the meeting, the Federal Minister emphasised the urgent need to modernise Women Empowerment Centres in Balochistan by shifting focus from traditional skills like sewing to Information Technology-related training. He directed that efforts be made in collaboration with NAVTTC (National Vocational & Technical Training Commission) to digitize the program and equip women with skills aligned with global market demands.

The minister further announced that the number of women benefiting from these centres will be doubled under the expanded initiative. He also highlighted the importance of consultation with Rana Mashood, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, to formalise collaborative efforts for women’s skill enhancement and empowerment.

“The aim is to produce a skilled, confident female workforce from Balochistan that can compete not just nationally but internationally,” he stated. In addition, the minister called for the expansion of medical assistance to more deserving individuals and directed that university scholarships for Balochistan students be significantly increased to improve access to higher education.

The minister announced his visit to Balochistan University in the second week of May to personally engage with students and review on-ground progress. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and targeted development, stating, “Balochistan’s progress is central to Pakistan’s prosperity, and we are ensuring no effort is spared in achieving this goal.”