Balochistan reviews RISE program to empower youth, marginalized communities

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2026) Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakil Qadir Khan, chaired a high-level meeting on the province’s flagship RISE program, aimed at empowering youth, marginalized communities, and underdeveloped regions through economic opportunities and skill development.

Senior officials from relevant departments and program representatives attended the session.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized that the provincial government is taking revolutionary steps to provide dignified employment, modern skills, and self-reliance opportunities to the youth of Balochistan.

He noted that the RISE program would serve as a guarantee for a brighter future, reducing unemployment while paving the way for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity across the province.

The initiative will particularly target remote and underdeveloped districts including Panjgur, Kharan, Washuk, Gwadar, Awaran, and Kech/Turbat, where thousands of young people will be offered technical training, small business opportunities, financial support, and stability projects. Several billion rupees have been allocated, marking one of the largest investments in youth development in Balochistan’s history.

Officials briefed the meeting that cultural and thematic seminars promoting peace and social harmony have already been held at the district level, with 11 events attended by 3,946 participants as 34 percent of them women.

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Additionally, 215 grants have been awarded to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) and local support organizations (LSOs).

The program has also facilitated 550 national-level study and exposure visits for youth, alongside 34 awareness, sports, and social cohesion events at district, divisional, and provincial levels. Looking ahead, the Enterprise Development Program will provide training and income-generating grants, while 55 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will receive financial support ranging from Rs. 5 million to Rs. 20 million. Furthermore, accounts for 2,500 deserving individuals under technical and vocational training schemes have already been processed.

Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating Balochistan’s youth into the national development mainstream. He stressed that the province’s young population is talented and deserves equal opportunities to advance, ensuring Balochistan achieves new milestones of development, prosperity, and peace.