Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has taken proactive steps to regulate and enhance the province’s mining sector. He has ordered the registration of all coal and other mines to ensure transparency and establish their legal status.
During a meeting with the mines and minerals department on Tuesday, the chief minister evaluated the department’s performance and prioritized improving security in mining areas. This comes in response to several recent tragic incidents in these regions. He emphasized the need to revise royalty rates from mining activities. He directed the reinvestment of the income generated into developing these mining zones. “Government expenditures in these areas currently surpass income,” Mr. Bugti noted.
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To further strengthen security, he instructed Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari to recruit 200 police officers based on merit. He also ordered the deployment of policemen from Loralai to Duki. Mr. Bugti stressed the need for Police, FC, and Levies to work together to restore peace in Duki’s mining field.
The chief minister is also steering efforts to enhance employment opportunities for the youth of Balochistan. In another meeting, plans were finalized to send 2,375 skilled individuals abroad for work by June under the Chief Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme. The initiative begins next week with 24 skilled individuals leaving for Saudi Arabia.
The program plans to train 30,000 young people in modern trades and help them find jobs abroad over the next five years. Mr. Bugti instructed officials to simplify visa and passport processes by coordinating with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior. He mandated that government-approved diagnostic centers conduct medical tests for candidates to maintain transparency and efficiency.
Importantly, he emphasized equitable representation, ensuring youth from all districts of Balochistan benefit equally from this program.
Focusing on sustainable mining and youth empowerment drives development in Balochistan while tackling key challenges.
