The Government of Balochistan has launched its flagship Resilience, Integration and Socio-Economic Empowerment (RISE) Programme, allocating Rs16.79 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26, officials said.
Implemented through the Industries and Commerce Department, the programme is being executed exclusively by the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) across six districts — Panjgur, Kharan, Washuk, Gwadar, Awaran and Kech (Turbat).
Designed to empower youth and marginalised communities, the RISE Programme aims to promote income generation, wealth creation and productive economic engagement, contributing to a peaceful, resilient and inclusive society in the province.
The initiative addresses multidimensional poverty, unemployment, economic exclusion and climate vulnerability, while laying the foundation for long-term social and economic transformation through inclusive and sustainable development.
At its core, RISE focuses on community uplift, sustainable livelihood creation and youth skill development, equipping young people with market-relevant skills and tools needed to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
A key pillar of the programme is its Social Engagement component, which seeks to promote social cohesion, trust and peaceful coexistence. This includes strengthening local governance structures, empowering women and youth, encouraging civic participation, and facilitating constructive dialogue between communities and state institutions.
Officials note that thousands of young people across Balochistan transition into adulthood each year without access to sustainable livelihoods or meaningful economic participation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion — a challenge RISE is designed to directly confront.
The programme was formally launched in October 2025 through a partnership between BRSP and the Government of Balochistan.
Speaking at the launch, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan described RISE as a milestone initiative toward building a resilient, integrated and empowered province. He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to creating equal opportunities, particularly for youth and marginalised segments of society.
BRSP Chief Executive Officer Dr Tahir Rasheed said RISE is “not merely a project, but a movement” aimed at fostering a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Balochistan.
He added that the programme prioritises youth skill development, strengthening community institutions and sustainable livelihood creation, noting that BRSP has already reached more than 379,000 households across the six targeted districts.
