Daily Times

The Chief Executive Officer of Balochistan Rural Support Programme ? BRSP has been honored with the prestigious Aziz-UI Haq Rural Development Medal-2023. The award ceremony took place during the 38th meeting of Technical Committee at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific – CIRDAP in Laos. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to rural development in the Asia-Pacific region. The award is named after Aziz-ul Haq, the founder Director of CIRDAP, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Centre.

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) is a regional, intergovernmental, and autonomous organization. It was established on 6 July 1979, at the initiative of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with support from several other UN bodies and donors. The Centre was created to meet the felt needs of the developing countries at that time, serving as an institution for promoting integrated rural development in the region.

Dr. Rasheed’s exemplary leadership and BRSP’s unwavering commitment to sustainable rural development in Balochistan have earned them this prestigious accolade. Their dedication resulted in positive change, making BRSP the first organization in Balochistan and the second in Pakistan to receive this honor. Previous recipients include notable figures like Sheikh Haseena Wajid, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and the Agriculture Ministry of Thailand. It is worth mentioning that BRSP is the only organization in Pakistan to have been honored with both, the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) award and the Aziz-UI Haq Rural Development Medal-2023 by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific – CIRDAP.

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Rasheed highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire BRSP team, our partners, donors, and, above all, the communities we have served over three decades. Together, we’ve made a significant impact on rural development in Balochistan.” He dedicated the prestigious award to the rural communities, government institutions striving for rural development, and the hard work of the BRSP team.

BRSP, a leading non-governmental organization of Balochistan, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of rural communities through sustainable development initiatives. Focused on poverty alleviation, capacity building, and empowerment, BRSP is a beacon of hope for rural communities, transforming lives and fostering growth. The CEO remarked, “together we overcame every problem and challenge, which have now become milestones for us. The last 32 years have been a great journey, witnessing the share of ups and downs in the organization. However, the constant and unconditional support that the CEOs have received from the staff, management, and employees was outstanding, motivating them to overcome the challenges.” The Aziz-UI Haq Rural Development Medal-2023 is a recognition and testament to the collective dedication of BRSP and its partners, in creating positive and sustainable change in the lives of rural people of Balochistan.