Quetta: The Balochistan Local Government Department, working alongside the Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support Project (GLLSP), has launched annual rural development plans for 40 union councils in Gwadar and Lasbela districts.
At the inauguration ceremony in Quetta, Local Government Secretary Abdul Rauf Baloch explained that the department is promoting rural development through comprehensive planning under the Balochistan government’s directives. With financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through GLLSP, these projects are designed in partnership with local communities to meet their specific needs. Baloch noted that such sustainable initiatives would eventually expand to all provincial districts.
“Policy-making plays a vital role in the efficient use of government resources,” Baloch stated. “If all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities at the local level, we can ensure better facilities for rural populations in Balochistan.”
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Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Dura Dashti also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing that departmental-level policy-making is essential for sector development. She highlighted how coordination between government and non-governmental organizations could create new opportunities for community welfare, especially benefiting young people.
Director Local Government Gul Muhammad Baloch provided details about the Union Council Development Plans, marking this as the first time the government has introduced rural development initiatives at the local level. He said these plans would generate new opportunities for rural improvement and enhance institutional coordination.
Programme Specialist for GLLSP Muhammad Asif Lehri described the Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support Project as a six-year collaboration between the Balochistan government and IFAD. The initiative focuses on improving lives in Gwadar and Lasbela through fisheries promotion and rural development programs.
