Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, stated that sustainable development is impossible without integrating women into the mainstream of society. He described the launch of the Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund as a historic milestone that will help thousands of talented women across the province achieve financial independence.
Sarfraz Bugti was addressing the fund’s inauguration ceremony, an event attended by Provincial Advisor for Women Development Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, provincial ministers, members of the Provincial Assembly, and representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of women’s active role in society, noting that empowering women has always been a cause close to his heart. “That is why, in Balochistan, not only have women been appointed to key administrative positions, but now a practical step has also been taken to highlight their economic role,” he added.
Sarfraz Bugti noted that women in Balochistan possess immense talent, but their potential remains untapped due to a lack of resources. “It is the collective responsibility of the government to provide opportunities for women so they can play a positive role in their homes, cities, and villages, side by side with men,” he emphasized.
Despite limited resources, the Chief Minister said the provincial government is determined to make this fund a successful model. He announced that its current size would be increased to Rs 5 million to enable women to create larger-scale businesses and employment opportunities. He also stressed the importance of education, recalling that “the very first command of Allah was Iqra (Read), which makes no distinction between men and women. We want the daughters of Balochistan to study at world-class universities such as Harvard and Oxford.”
Paying tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Chief Minister described her as the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world and a global role model. “History will judge which ideology is right: those who want our educated women to wear suicide jackets and kill innocent people, or us, who are providing them with capital for businesses, sending them to Harvard and Oxford, and giving them ownership rights to their homes,” he remarked.
Sarfraz Bugti also announced that the provincial government would strive to provide maximum ownership rights to women in the 8,000 houses being built for flood-affected families, ensuring women can be truly empowered. He congratulated a woman from Khuzdar for establishing a Women’s Bazaar and announced additional facilities for the initiative. He also lauded the efforts of hardworking women in Gwadar and its surrounding areas, assuring them that their struggles would not go in vain and that the government would extend its full support. The Chief Minister made special mention of a visually impaired girl who benefited from the fund, pledging that she would receive every possible support to help her achieve financial stability.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s efforts for women’s empowerment, stating the Balochistan government is committed to advancing this journey by following his vision. Concluding his speech, he congratulated Advisor for Women Development Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, her team, and all institutions involved. “This Endowment Fund is a seed that, God willing, will grow into a strong tree and fully empower the women of Balochistan,” he remarked.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi said that empowering women is among the government’s top priorities. She added that the fund will not only strengthen women financially but also integrate them into social and economic development. Dr. Buledi noted that women in Balochistan are second to none in talent and need only opportunities and resources to utilize their abilities. She highlighted that the government has already launched multiple initiatives for women’s welfare, including interest-free loans and business opportunities.
“This fund is a practical step toward women’s economic independence, and in the coming years its benefits will reflect in the overall development of the province,” she said. Dr. Buledi noted that the Chief Minister’s personal interest proves that the government views women as an essential part of national progress. She expressed her commitment to providing maximum facilities so women can excel in all fields and urged other organizations to work alongside the government to ensure women’s empowerment.
At the conclusion of the program, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, accompanied by Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi and women cabinet members, distributed endowment fund documents among women and presented shields to the organizers.
