Balochistan’s journey toward education and knowledge enters a new, practical, and result-oriented phase, says CM
Balochistan’s journey toward education and knowledge enters a new, practical, and result-oriented phase, says CM
Mir Sarfraz Bugti says Government of firmly committed to good governance, equal access to education, and providing developmental opportunities; maintains government awarding merit-based PhD scholarships to allow Balochistan’s youth to pursue doctoral studies in scientific fields at world’s top 200 universities
QUETTA: The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has said that the province’s journey toward promoting education and knowledge has now entered a new, practical, and result-oriented phase.
A significant example of this progress is the establishment of the Zahoor Shah Hashmi Digital Library in Gwadar.
“This is not just a library; it’s the foundation for intellectual development, scientific awareness, and collective progress, and a guarantee of a brighter future for Balochistan,” the Chief Minister stated while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the library on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, and other high-ranking officials.
The Chief Minister said that inaugurating this state-of-the-art digital library in Gwadar—an important and strategic district—is a historic moment for him.
He mentioned that the library is being recognized as one of the highest-standard libraries in Pakistan and has been established entirely with support from philanthropists. “This proves that when the public, civil society, and local administration unite with a shared goal, a new chapter in education and development can be written,” he emphasized.
He praised this commendable initiative and urged deputy commissioners and officers in other districts of Balochistan to adopt similar models to promote education and skills, giving the youth a positive and enlightened path forward.
He shared his experience of meeting talented students in Gwadar, describing them as the true asset and future of the province. The Government of Balochistan, he added, is firmly committed to good governance, equal access to education, and providing developmental opportunities.
He also announced the launch of the Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program for the first time in Balochistan’s history.
Under this program, the top ten male and ten female students from each district, who perform exceptionally well in government board matriculation exams, will receive full government sponsorship for 16 years of education.
The government is also awarding merit-based PhD scholarships to allow Balochistan’s youth to pursue doctoral studies in scientific fields at the world’s top 200 universities.
CM Bugti stated that for the first time, health and education departments have conducted completely merit-based recruitments, ensuring that deserving youth receive their rightful opportunities. In the past year alone, over 3,200 closed schools have been reopened, and for the first time since Pakistan’s independence, doctors are now available in several medical centers.
He reaffirmed that Gwadar remains a top priority for the Balochistan government because its development strengthens not only the province but also the economic foundations of the entire country. He expressed pride in the youth of Gwadar, who have succeeded in challenging civil service exams like CSS and PCS, raising the province’s stature.
Addressing the youth, the Chief Minister said: “Our government wants you to pursue education, skills, peace, and development. Unfortunately, some misguided elements are trying to lead young people toward extremism, violence, and destruction. The choice lies with the youth—whether they choose the path of progress or fall into the trap of misguided agendas. What is clear is that the government will fully support every young person who chooses knowledge, awareness, positivity, and peace.”
During the ceremony, it was revealed that the Zahoor Shah Hashmi Digital Library was constructed under the leadership and dedication of Deputy Commissioner Gwadar, Hamood-ur-Rehman, at a cost of approximately 60 million rupees, with the help of various philanthropists and institutions. The library houses more than 300,000 digitized books and thousands of printed books for reading.
Separate halls have been established for women, children, senior citizens, and students preparing for competitive exams. The building is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a solar power system that ensures uninterrupted electricity. Various halls are named after prominent national personalities, including Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, his father Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti, and Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that laptops and preparatory books for competitive exams will be provided to students in Gwadar. He and other speakers praised DC Hamood-ur-Rehman and his team for their outstanding work and expressed their commitment to expanding such projects to other districts to foster a culture of reading and research across Balochistan.
