Netherlands Ambassador to Pakistan Henny de Vries and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti discussed enhancing cooperation. They also addressed matters of mutual interest. Their talks focused on areas such as education, agriculture, and water management, among others. The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Both leaders also discussed the issue of Afghan refugees, including their return, registration, and the steps Pakistan’s government has implemented in this regard.
The Chief Minister briefed the Dutch Ambassador on governance improvements in Balochistan, youth welfare projects, and public-interest initiatives. He highlighted the government’s scholarship program, which supports students from the province attending renowned institutions like Oxford. The provincial government is covering 16 years of educational expenses for top-performing matriculation students in the Balochistan board and the children of civilian martyrs from each district.
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Bugti shared that 30,000 youths would be trained in various fields and sent abroad in phases. This will equip them with skills to contribute to the country’s economic development. The Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program is empowering hundreds of young individuals to support their families and earn foreign exchange for Pakistan.
The Chief Minister also emphasized steps taken to promote education among minority and transgender communities, with 100 annual scholarships allocated specifically to each group. Fostering meritocracy offers equal developmental opportunities to the youth in Balochistan.
Bugti assured that the government has fully established its authority across all districts, addressing security concerns and countering negative perceptions. He called on the international community to align their outlook on Balochistan with the ground realities. However, this requires a deeper understanding of the region’s complexities.
On the topic of Afghan refugees, Bugti noted that their registration is underway via the One Document Regime. Pakistan, having hosted them for decades, is encouraging voluntary repatriation once stability returns to Afghanistan. He highlighted the positive development of approximately five thousand residents now traveling daily across the Pak-Afghan border with passports. This has been made possible through government measures.
Bugti extended an invitation to the Dutch Ambassador to collaborate on the Youth Skills Development Program and social services while stressing the importance of cooperation in agriculture and water resource management. Ambassador Henny de Vries, therefore, appreciated the efforts of the Balochistan government. Furthermore, he expressed a commitment to bolstering collaboration in various sectors.
