QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday underscored that sustained investment in human development is essential for a prosperous and stable future for the province. He made the remarks during a meeting with a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delegation, led by Country Representative Luay Shabaneh, in Quetta.
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The discussions focused on key population-related challenges, including maternal and child health, youth and women’s welfare, and the use of data-driven policymaking. Officials attending the meeting included Parliamentary Secretary for Population Agha Umar Khan Ahmedzai, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Population Secretary Zafar Khan Baloch, Principal Secretary to the CM Babar Khan, and UNFPA Quetta Office chief Saadia Ata.
Both sides agreed to establish a provincial task force on population issues to ensure interdepartmental coordination. The task force will oversee the implementation of policies related to population management, health, and education across Balochistan.
CM Bugti stressed that policymaking must align with modern requirements through robust data governance frameworks, ensuring decisions are based on credible evidence. He reiterated that education and health remain top priorities, emphasizing that sustainable development is impossible without progress in these sectors.
The chief minister highlighted that institutional reforms are vital for improving maternal and child health indicators. He added that the welfare of youth and women must form the cornerstone of Balochistan’s social and economic development, noting that human development investment secures the province’s long-term future.
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UNFPA Country Representative Shabaneh praised the provincial government’s reform initiatives and policy priorities. He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting projects in population, health, and human development, promising continued collaboration to achieve shared development goals.